A MARONDERA police officer, who was allegedly part of a gang that broke into a house in Acturus before ransacking it on Friday, has appeared before magistrate, Ignatius Mhere, facing unlawful entry charges.
BY Jairos Saunyama
Constable Simon Machengete was implicated by his alleged accomplices, John Mangowani (39), Trymore Banda (36) and Cephas Mhere, with the officer’s car being used to commit the crime.
Machengete was remanded out of custody on $200 bail, while his three accomplices were remanded in custody until March 15.
Mangowani, Banda and Mhere were previously convicted over the same offences.
According to court papers, on January 30 this year, the four hatched a plan to steal in Goromonzi before going to Acturus, using Machengete’s Honda Fit vehicle.
Upon arriving at the complainant’s compound, they opened the door using a duplicate key and gained entry. It is alleged that, while inside, the accused stole a number of valuables that included laptops, travelling bags, a television set and a cellphone.
It is alleged that the accused ferried the loot using Machengete’s car to Marondera, where they shared the stolen goods among themselves.
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On February 26, Mangowani was arrested after being found in possession of the stolen Supersonic 32-inch plasma television hidden inside a bag.
After being quizzed by the police, Mangowani said the television set belonged to his accomplice Banda.
Banda was interrogated and spilled the beans before implicating Machengete and Mhere as other accomplices.
The two then led the detectives to where the other loot was hidden in Chitungwiza while the laptop was recovered in Marondera.
The total value of goods stolen was pegged at $2 638 and only goods worth $1 340 was recovered. Courage Chakawa represented the State.
