Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| Nine cops based at Zvishavane Police Station are under investigation after they stole gold ore they impounded from illegal miners.
According to reports from Zvishavane, the said cops raided a group of illegal miners near the mining town last week and stole gold ore after arresting them.
National police spokesperson Charity Charamba confirmed she was aware of the case but said finer details were yet to reach her desk.
“I am aware of the case in which some officers are being accused of stealing gold ore that was supposed to be produced in court as exhibit. However I do not have their names because I am still to get a formal report,” said Charamba.
After being sent to arrest the illegal miners, the nine police officers allegedly connived to steal the gold ore, intending to sell it at an inflated price. Police sources in Zvishavane also confirmed the development.
“A group of illegal miners was raided by the police but the gold ore they possessed vanished. There are nine officers who are being investigated for stealing the gold ore. Nothing much has transpired so far but investigations are underway. The officers have a case to answer because they took the gold ore from the scene of the crime. The gold ore they stole was supposed to be used as exhibit in court,” said a Zvishavane based cop.
The incident has yet again reflected the ineptitude within the police force. The police have also been accused of working in syndicates with the illegal miners, thereby promoting corruption.