A court ruling in the matter involving two Gokwe police officers charged with criminal abuse of office was set for next Thursday, after the defence counsel closed its case yesterday.
Jefrey Ngiza (29) and Ngobile Mangena (29) had their bail revoked by Gweru magistrate Pathekile Msipa on May 10 after the court was advised the suspects had threatened State witnesses.
Prosecutor Andrew Marimo told the court that on August 30 2010, the two police officers arrested Regiment Mugonero for allegedly stealing 80 bales of cotton in Gokwe.
Instead of having him charged for theft, the pair allegedly demanded $3 000 to facilitate his release from police custody and stop the arrest of his accomplices. Mugonero allegedly paid them $1 500.
The matter, however, came to light after the suspects kept demanding payment of the balance, forcing Mugonero to deposit $250 into Ngiza’s Ecocash account in February this year.
Mugonero later reported the matter to police, leading to the pair’s arrest.
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The two have, however, denied the charge, claiming they were being framed.
Lawyer Evidence Gonese is representing the suspects.