In a startling betrayal of their sworn duty to protect and serve, three police officers stationed in Beitbridge have been convicted and sentenced by a Harare Magistrate for their involvement in a robbery that has shaken public trust.
Admore Nyamaropa (32), Andrew Magwenzi (35), and Prince Mugove Kuchekenya (39) were found guilty by a Harare Magistrate and given hefty prison terms.
The incident occurred on April 17, 2023, when Timothy Murasiranwa, who works for the National Employment Council for the Tourism Industry of Zimbabwe, was at the Beitbridge Border Post collecting a silver Land Cruiser Prado on behalf of his employer. Murasiranwa was accompanied by his brother, who was driving a Toyota Rav 4, as they intended to drive the vehicles to Harare.
While refueling the vehicles at a Puma Service Station, a silver Toyota Corolla without number plates pulled up alongside them. Two of the accused officers then exited the Corolla, with one of them having a pistol concealed under his shirt. Alarmed by the presence of the firearm, Murasiranwa attempted to drive off, but the Corolla blocked the exit, and the officers then pulled out a rifle.
Fearing for their safety, Murasiranwa and his brother fled the scene, leaving the Land Cruiser Prado behind. The accused officers then drove off with the stolen vehicle. A police report was filed, and the investigation led to the recovery of the Prado on May 1, 2023, from a mechanic, resulting in the arrest of the first accused, who then implicated the other two officers.
The first accused, Nyamaropa, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with 4 years suspended. The other two accused, Magwenzi and Kuchekenya, received 10-year sentences, with 2 years suspended in each case.
