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Nkomo theft cops denied bail

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TWO police officers who allegedly stole property from the late Vice-President John Nkomo’s house in Bulawayo’s Worringham suburb will languish in prison until their case is finalised after the court denied them bail saying they were a flight risk.

TWO police officers who allegedly stole property from the late Vice-President John Nkomo’s house in Bulawayo’s Worringham suburb will languish in prison until their case is finalised after the court denied them bail saying they were a flight risk.

Report by Richard Muponde

Bulawayo magistrate Witness Takunda Mtetwa yesterday dismissed the bail application by Constables Costa Fandi (25) and Hillary Ncube (29) from the Police Protection Unit saying they could abscond.

He said since it was likely the two would be fired from work if convicted, they had nothing to lose if they absconded.

The pair’s lawyer, Tungamirai Nyengera, made the application on their behalf on Tuesday.

Fandi and Ncube could only get relief if they apply to the High Court for bail.

The pair has not been asked to plead to unlawful entry and theft, but has indicated that they are denying the charges.

They were both remanded in custody to March 11 when their trial is expected to commence.

Prosecutor Tarisai Mataruse told the court that Fandi and Ncube, after the death of VP Nkomo, were assigned from their PPU base in Gwanda to provide security at his residence, Number 59 Muchbinding Road, Worringham.

It is alleged that between January 24 and February 20, the two connived to break into the house and steal VP Nkomo’s property. They allegedly stole a laptop, plasma screen TV and clothing, as well as jewellery, with a combined value of $7 152.

The matter came to light after VP Nkomo’s son, Jabulani, discovered that there was a break-in and made a report to the police.

Investigations were launched, leading to the arrest of Ncube who in turn implicated Fandi.

Property valued at $7 002 was recovered in Gwanda and from other people.