Panners destory cops’ cars

TWO gold panners destroyed two private cars belonging to police officers with stones and machetes in Zvishavane after they were ordered to stop as they were suspected of possessing gold without a licence.

Mafias Takawira (33) and Albert Maketo (42) appeared before Zvishavane magistrate Mr Sheperd Munjanja facing charges of malicious damage to property after they stoned two cars, a Toyota Ipsum and Toyota Hilux belonging to the police officers.

They pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. Four months were suspended on condition that they do not commit a similar offence within the next three years. The remaining eight months were set aside on basis that the duo performs 280 hours of community service.

It is the State’s case that Detectives Dorembwe, Maromo, Mukuze, Mudzvaro, Mucharamba, Musauki, Zhou and Chipanga got a tip-off that Takawira and Maketo who were driving a Toyota Hiace were in possession of gold without a licence. They then teamed up and drove towards Masvingo using a Toyota Hilux and Ipsum where they wanted to intercept the car belonging to the panners.

Upon seeing the car, they ordered the panners to stop but they never complied, and the cops chased after them. The gold panners turned into a gravel road before stopping. They threw logs, stones and machetes towards the police officers and destroyed their cars in the process. The two were, however, overpowered by the police officers and were arrested. The gold was not recovered and the damage to the two cars was valued at $2 100.

Mr Talent Tadenyika prosecuted.