2 Cops, 1 soldier& 5 Villagers Arrested For Possession Of 20kgs Diamond Ore Near Anjin Diamond Mine.

TWO police officers, a soldier and five villagers were this week arrested at Chiadzwa after they were found in possession of diamonds as Government launched operation ‘Chengetedzai Upfumi’ to seal off the closed mines and curb leakages.

The eight were on Tuesday arraigned separately before the courts in Mutare for contravening Section 3(1) of the Precious Stones Trade Act, Chapter 21:06. They appeared before senior magistrate, Mrs Sekai Chiundura, while Mr Fletcher Karombe prosecuted.

Two police officers – Clemence Muteliso (24) and Chakauya Mberikwazvo (39) – who were in the company of three villagers – Kuda Bonzo (41), Kudakwashe Rwesho (19) and Wilbert Muroyi (40) – were arrested after they were allegedly caught with 20kgs of diamond ore near the closed Anjin Diamond Mine.

They denied the charges and were remanded out of custody to March 7 for trial.

It was the State’s case led by Mr Karombe that the suspects were caught by police officers on patrol as they attempted to cross Odzi River.

“Approximately 20kgs of diamond ore, one shovel, one crowbar, one chisel and a 4 pound hammer were recovered from them,” said Mr Karombe.

In a separate incident, Holder Mvura (25) – a soldier – was on February 28 allegedly found in possession of 14 pieces of diamonds at the closed Anjin Diamond Mine.

Allegations were that at around 3am, police officers allegedly caught Mvura with the diamonds.

“Constables Chibanda and Chivaro saw Mvura loitering around the mine fence. They approached him and told him that he had entered a restricted area and arrested him.

“He was searched and six pieces of diamonds were recovered from his jean trousers pocket and an additional eight pieces were recovered from a small plastic in his wallet,” said Mr Karombe.

Around the same area, two other suspects – Tafadzwa Tionesei (23) and Trinity Bwanali (26) – were arrested after being found in possession of diamonds. Bwanali had one piece while Tionesei had two.

Mvura, Tionesei and Bwanali who were represented by Mr Parleoh Rajah of Tandiri Legal Practitioners were all remanded in custody to yesterday (Thursday) for bail application.