Another fuel dealer nabbed

POLICE in Mutare have widened their net and are appealing for information regarding syndicates involved illegal fuel dealings in a bid to curb the fuel crisis.

The call follows the arrest of a 35-year-old man who was suspected of illegally trading petrol and diesel at a service station located at Green Market in Mutare’s industrial area.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday afternoon after being found in possession of three drums of petrol and unspecified amount of diesel which were stocked in a warehouse at his workplace.

Police were yet to ascertain the total value of the petrol and diesel the suspect was found with.

Manicaland police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa said they have launched an investigation into the matter to ascertain whether the fuel was for resell on black market. He said the suspect was being charged for contravening the Petroleum Act.

“Police in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority have launched an investigation to ascertain whether the accused was working against the law,” he said.

“We are appealing for information regarding people who are dealing with petrol products,” said Insp Kakohwa.

Two illegal fuel dealers were recently each fined $200 or risks being jailed for two months by Mutare magistrate Perseverance Makala.

The two Wilbert Shungu and Mountford Sibale were charged for selling petroleum without a licence.

The duo was selling petrol and diesel in Mutare’s industrial area.

Chamwaita Zamuchiya was also fined $80 or face 20 day in jail after he was nabbed selling petrol for $16 per five litre in Mutare’s area.

Another illegal dealer Tapiwa Madini was also punished by Mutare Magistrate Tendai Mahwe who fined him $250 for the same offence.

Madini also risks being jailed for four months if he fails to pay the fine.