By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Four high-ranking homicide detectives from Bulawayo are facing trial on April 17, 2024, in connection with serious corruption allegations. Officers Wellington Masuna, Kuziwa Dennis Zambuko, Fakazi Swati, and Clemence Mbofana are accused of stealing $23,700 from the family of a gold miner.
Court records indicate that the detectives conducted an unauthorized operation outside their jurisdiction. The case originated in October 2024 when artisanal miner Lista Chipuriro, from Nugget Mine, sought their assistance in recovering gold he claimed had been stolen by fellow miner Petros Daki.
Despite the matter being under the purview of the Matopos police and the CID Minerals Unit, the detectives allegedly commandeered a police vehicle and detained Daki at the Cecil Hotel in Bulawayo, along with two of his associates. They reportedly went on to raid Daki’s mother’s home in Pumula South suburb, where they confiscated $23,700 obtained from legitimate gold sales, returning only $7,800 to the victims while the remaining $15,900 allegedly went into their pockets. They also seized Daki’s Toyota Bubble vehicle, claiming it was necessary to preserve evidence.
The situation escalated on October 24, 2024, when three armed colleagues Muchingami, Mugabe, and Katazo allegedly stormed the Bulawayo Central Police Station, freeing the detained suspects in a shocking display of force that led to a confrontation within the department. This incident has also resulted in additional obstruction of justice charges against these officers (CR 402/10/24).
Prosecutors have criticized the accused detectives for what they describe as an egregious abuse of power that threatens the integrity of Zimbabwe’s justice system. The State is opposing bail, arguing that the defendants have shown a blatant disregard for the law, even while in custody.