HARARE – The three Harare police officers who were arrested in connection with alleged arson and the disappearance of US$45,500 cash exhibit at Harare Central Police Station weekend have denied the charges while claiming they were being framed.
Stanley Musekiwa, the officer in charge of CID Stores and Business, and his subordinates, Takaidza Mugwisi and Masimba Gwasumba, were detained and charged with theft and malicious damage to property.
Prosecutors allege the trio took advantage of a power outage to seek cover and break into the station’s exhibit room to steal the cash.
It is further alleged the three then set the room on fire to try and camourflage their crime.
When they appeared in court, prosecutors opposed granting of bail on the three, claiming they were likely to interfere with investigations.
Lawyers argued during bail hearing that the trio was not at the police station on the day of the incident.
Admire Rubaya, Musekiwa’s lawyer, questioned the criteria used by the investigating officer, Lovemore Chifamba, in detaining his client.
He claimed Chifamba was not at the scene when the said offence was committed.
According to reports, a detective protecting the exhibit room left his post and went to sleep in a car before the alleged fire and theft.
Rubaya argued that those on duty knew better about the disappearance of the money and the identity of those who broke into the exhibit room.
The place is not monitored by any CCTV.
Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa is set to rule on the trio’s bail application on Friday.
