MASVINGO — Chiredzi-based police officer Constable Brighton Mangoto, who was expelled from the force for test-driving outgoing MDC-T Chiredzi West MP Moses Mare’s car which he intended to buy, has appealed against the expulsion.
Report by Tatenda Chitagu
Mangoto, who was verbally expelled on July 24 following a police disciplinary hearing, has since sought the intervention of Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri seeking nullification of the expulsion.
Through his lawyer Martin Mureri of Matutu, Kwirira and Associates, Mangoto also says the disciplinary board that recommended his dismissal acted in a partisan manner.
“The trial board erred in making a finding that the appellant had acted in an unbecoming or disorderly manner, or in a manner prejudiced to good order or discipline or reasonably likely to bring discredit to the police force because he test-drove the vehicle which he wanted to buy that belonged to the then MDC-T MP.
“The respondent misdirected itself for there was nothing to show that the appellant is not suitable to remain in the force.
“The respondent misdirected itself by taking a political side in discharging the appellant from his duties because it is clear that he was discharged because he drove an MDC-T MP’s car and there is nothing unbecoming in driving a vehicle for the purpose of testdriving with the view to purchase same,” reads part of the appeal.
Mangoto claims he wanted to swap the car with his residential stand. Trouble against Mangoto arose in May this year after he was seen test-driving Mare’s MPV vehicle which he wanted to buy. He was spotted by his workmates who immediately informed their superiors, leading to a disciplinary hearing and his subsequent sacking.
