Police Officer Steals $25,000 From Security Guards
Harare magistrate Donald Ndirowei presided over a case yesterday involving a police officer accused of stealing US$25,000 from security guards who had recovered money dropped by fleeing armed robbers. Prosper Chimbumu (33), an officer stationed at Harare Central Police Station, appeared in court facing a theft charge related to the incident.
Chimbumu had been evading arrest until recently when his alleged accomplices, Since Asima (38), Perseverance Chisango (32), Weston Muzoriwa (37), and Fredrick Moyo (33), were released on US$300 bail last week. The group’s involvement in the case led to Chimbumu’s apprehension.
According to State prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, the incident unfolded on February 25 after two security officers retrieved US$53,000 dropped by armed robbers following a heist amounting to US$716,340 at Quest Finance Services. However, the two officers were subsequently arrested and admitted guilt, resulting in a two-year prison sentence imposed by Magistrate Ethel Chichera.
ALSO READ: Harare City Council Faces Financial Crisis with $1.5 Trillion in Unpaid Rates
Further investigations revealed that on March 6, 2024, the police received information implicating the two reaction team officers in a scheme to pocket cash from the recovered loot. This information led to a confrontation between the accused police officers and one of the security officers, Cornelius Chimukange, at his residence, during which Chimukange was reportedly severely assaulted.
Under duress, Chimukange confessed and surrendered US$15,000. The accused then proceeded to the residence of Nesbert Kachungwe, the other security officer, where they interrogated his wife and obtained US$10,500. After confirming that no additional money was available, the police officers released Kachungwe and his wife.
The stolen funds, totaling US$25,500, were allegedly shared among the accused parties, and none of it has been recovered to date. Detectives from CID Homicide Harare received a tip-off on March 12 about the illegal collection of cash by the accused persons, leading to the subsequent arrest and court proceedings.
The case underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are addressing allegations of corruption and misconduct within law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in handling criminal investigations.
