Cephas Shava
MWENEZI – Some named senior police officers who are stationed at Rutenga Police Station are reportedly implicated in a case of stock theft that saw a villager losing 14 beasts to cattle, TellZim News has learnt.
During the recent routine remand of five alleged cattle rustlers Menius Chihora, Witness Dube, Clever Mashira, Munyaradzi Matibwini and Obert Dirikwe who are all out of custody on bail, magistrate Honest Musiiwa hinted on the sensitivity of their case.
“Your docket was forwarded to Masvingo. Owing to the sensitivity of your case, it’s not yet clear whether you are going to be tried here or the matter will be dealt with in Masvingo. Because of some people who are said to be involved in the matter, it’s likely that the case will be heard in Masvingo,” said Musiiwa.
Sources close to the matter told TellZim News that some senior police officers at Rutenga Police Station were allegedly involved in the case as they allegedly facilitated the clearance of the stolen beasts.
It is alleged that sometime in November last year, the five suspects went to Tagura village 5 Orwood Ranch in Mwenezi where they drove away 14 herds of cattle belonging to Elfas Nyatera. The cattle were in the grazing unattended in the veld.
A police report was made leading to the arrest of the suspects. Of the 14 stolen beasts only four beast were recovered.
The five accused, who are being represented by Joseph Maweni were ordered to come back to court on March 20.
Willard Chasi appeared for the State.local
