BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
A Gwelutshena Assistant Inspector from Nkayi District has been arrested after he allegedly concealed a criminal investigation docket against a man who was wanted for crimes including rape and theft.
Matabeleland North Province police in a memorandum said the officer identified as Khuzani Moyo (35) of Fontaine Bleau Dzivarasekwa in Harare concealed evidence against Tafadzwa Mukurunyorova who was supposed to appear in Nkayi court for the crimes.
According to police background, Mukurunyorova who was an accused of a case of unlawful entry and theft was arrested and was detained at ZRP Gwelutshena (DB no 131/22) on 30 December last year.
A docket was opened and Moyo allocated the docket to himself as the investigating officer.
He then indicated in the detention book that Mukurunyorova was released to court, but did not take accused to court, instead set him free.
Police said the accused officer went on to falsely indicate on the docket that Mukurunyorova was convicted at court and sentenced to nine months imprisonment wholly suspended for 5 years on condition of good behavior on 20 January.
He further endorsed a false filing reference, C 07/23.
The matter came to light while, Superintendent Musemwa was carrying out a pre-annual inspection at ZRP Gwelutshena where noticed that the unlawful entry docket had been filed complete, but did not have neither the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) date stamp nor signature, prompting him to open an investigation against the officer.
A docket was then opened and referred to Criminal Investigations Department in Lupane for investigations and the findings were that: “On 01 January 2023, at 0900hours Tafadzwa was released to court authorised by Assistant Inspector Moyo but was not taken to court,”police findings read.
” On 02 January 2023, Assistant Inspector Moyo addressed the docket to the Prosecutor in Charge Nkayi Magistrate Court for prosecution without the accused (Tafadzwa).
“On 17 January 2023, NPA in Nkayi addressed the docket back to station querying why the docket was referred to court without the accused while it was indicated to be a plea case.
” Tafadzwa was also wanted at ZRP Gwelutshena for a case of Rape (C.R 20/12/21) which was filed INCB 14/22 but accused person did not re-open the case and take him to court as required but allowed him to go instead.
” There was no Court Record Book (CRB) that was opened at court relating to Tafadzwa . He did not appear in court and was neither convicted nor sentenced in court.”
Further investigations confirmed that confirmed that Tafadzwa was not taken to court due to transport and logistical problems.
The officer was immediately arrested and has been charged with criminal abuse of duty.
Accused was arrested and is detained at ZRP Nkayi DB No 65 /23 refers.
Police said they are currently trying to locate Mukunyorova and record a statement.