Workers steal from minister

By Lovemore Kadzura in Rusape

THREE people employed by Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Oppah Muchinguri, were arrested for stealing her property worth $12 000.

The trio — Shepherd Zhakata (farm manager), Benson Samanayai (security guard) and Chapara Chapara, a former farm manager — were not asked to plead when they appeared before Rusape provincial magistrate Mr Shingi Mutiro on theft charges.

They were represented by Mr Tatenda Kabasa of Chiwanza and Associates Legal Practitioners. Prosecuting, Mr Thomas Tumbare said the trio stole equipment such as boom spray, aluminum pipes and flue pipes with the intention to resell them in Marondera.

Mr Tumbare said the trio was nabbed by police detectives who masqueraded as transporters who could be hired to ferry the loot.

“On May 19, Zhakata and Samanayi connived to steal from their employer. They then contacted Chapara who brought his Mazda pick-up truck to carry the loot.

“The accused persons then stole a boom spray, four sets of tobacco flue pipes and 10×2-inch aluminium irrigation pipes. They sold the stolen equipment to Jonasi Fabison of Marondera for $1 000.

“Newton Zindi, who is in charge of the farm, discovered that some property was missing the following day and informed the police.

“On May 29, detectives received information that Chapara was in possession of the stolen property and Zhakata was looking for a truck to carry the loot to Marondera.

“Detectives provided a truck to Zhakata who was not aware that he was now under surveillance. Zhakata together with Detective Chitova who was acting like the truck assistant then fuelled the hired truck and proceeded to Chapara’s homestead to transport the stolen property.

“Detective Chitova immediately informed his colleagues who made a follow-up arresting Chapara and Zhakata who were transporting the stolen equipment. The accused were interviewed and Zhakata admitted having sold some of the property to Jonasi Fabison of Marondera. The total value of the stolen equipment is $12 000 and all was recovered,” he said.

Mr Mutiro set July 4 as the trial date. Manica Post