Two CID Officers Appear in Court Over Alleged Removal of Impounded Vehicle

Two CID officers in Bulawayo have appeared in court facing theft charges after allegedly attempting to remove an impounded vehicle from police custody (image source)

BULAWAYO — Two Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officers based in Bulawayo have appeared before the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court facing allegations of unlawfully removing an impounded motor vehicle from police custody.

The accused, Master Genti (39) and Richard Kiri (56), are detectives attached to the CID Flora and Fauna Unit. They appeared before magistrate Shingirai Mutiro and were remanded in custody to 9 January.

Prosecutor Nkanyezi Xaba told the court that on 18 December, Kiri was arrested in connection with allegations of prospecting for gold without a licence. As part of the investigation, his Toyota Hilux, registration number AEK 1003, was impounded and officially recorded as an exhibit at a police camp.

According to the State, on 24 December, the two accused allegedly gained access to the impounded vehicle using duplicate keys and attempted to remove it from police premises. It was alleged that the vehicle’s lights were switched off during the attempt, raising suspicion.

The court heard that a police officer on night duty noticed the vehicle in motion and intervened. Genti is alleged to have fled the scene, while Kiri was arrested at the premises. Genti was subsequently arrested the following day, on 25 December.

The matter remains pending before the courts. The accused have not yet entered pleas, and investigations are ongoing.

Under the Zimbabwe Republic Police Act and police standing orders, exhibits placed in police custody must be properly secured and accounted for. Any alleged interference with exhibits may result in criminal charges, in addition to internal disciplinary proceedings, which are handled separately from court processes.

The accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.