Farm workers steal $100k inputs
A RUSAPE man allegedly betrayed the trust bestowed on him by his employer and connived with an accomplice who is still at large to steal an assortment of farm inputs and other valuables worth at least $100 000.
The theft of the inputs at Kelvin Farm in Headlands was allegedly engineered by Mike Kamupira.
Kelvin Farm, represented by Simangaliso Delite Ndimandi, is one of the most productive farms in Headlands, specialising in maize, sugar beans, wheat and goat production.
The offence came to light on March 11 during a stock take initiated by Ndimandi following a tip-off by other farm workers over Kamupira and Magadzike’s extravagance.
The stock take revealed that 22x50kg of top dressing fertilisers, 300 watts solar panel, 17 litres of agro-chemicals and Compound D fertilisers, among other inputs, were missing.
A report was made to the Criminal Investigation Department Rusape.
Rusape District police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Muzondiwa Clean confirmed Kamupira’s arrest, saying investigations are still in progress.
Kamupira’s co-accused, Evidence Magadzike, is suspected to have skipped into Botswana using proceeds from the theft.
Kamupira was arrested last week on Friday and was hauled before Rusape magistrate, Miss Rufaro Mangwiro, facing theft charges.
Mr Marlon Makamba prosecuted. Kamupira, who was a self actor, pleaded not guilty to the charges. He argued that the charges were trumped up to fix him.
However, Miss Mangwiro remanded him in custody to Monday for bail determination. On Monday, Kamupira was sent back to Rusape Remand Prison and is expected in the dock again today (Friday) for bail ruling. Mr Makamba told the court that Kamupira, who was employed by Kelvin
Farm as a driver, took advantage of his position to steal from his employer.
He argued that Kamupira was a flight risk and would likely interfere with witnesses and commit similar offences if released.
Mr Makamba also called the investigating officer, one Detective Muwowo of CID Rusape, to buttress his bail opposition and prove that Kamupira was not a suitable candidate for bail.
“The State is opposing bail because investigations are still in progress to determine the exact magnitude of the offence. The accused person stays at Kelvin Farm where the offence was committed. He has no other known address where he can stay pending the finalisation of the matter. If released on bail, he is likely to interfere with ongoing investigations and witnesses.
“The second accused, Evidence Magadzike, is still at large, making the accused a flight risk too,” said he said.
The market value of the stolen goods is $100 800 and nothing was recovered.