Source: N’anga Steals US$20 000 From Top Cop
Petros Chiropa, a self-proclaimed traditional healer from Matondo Village in Chigodora, was sentenced to 54 months in prison for stealing US$20,100 from Assistant Commissioner Florence Marume of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
Chiropa was also ordered to repay US$8,100 to Marume, the remaining balance of the stolen amount.
He was charged with theft and money laundering and appeared before Mutare provincial magistrate, Annie Ndiraya.
The accused initially faced bail but later violated his conditions and was re-arrested. Despite pleading not guilty, he was convicted due to strong evidence.
Chiropa had argued that he was a wealthy healer and that the charges were false, claiming he only knew Marume and her domestic worker, Precious Nyasha Manyawu, through a church.
However, it was revealed in court that Chiropa and Manyawu had a romantic relationship and conspired to steal the money.
Court evidence also showed that Chiropa had spent the stolen money on luxury items, including a Toyota Runx, beds, wardrobes, and a large TV.
Manyawu, who was involved in the theft, is serving time in Mutare Remand Prison. Chiropa claimed to be not only a traditional healer but also a truck driver and businessman.
Prosecutor Tafadzwa Zulu told the court that Manyawu was entrusted with the money by Assistant Commissioner Marume for safekeeping. Added Zulu:
However, when Assistant Commissioner Marume asked for the money on December 16, 2023, Manyawu failed to produce it.
An investigation was launched, and it was discovered that Chiropa had taken the money and converted it to his own use, with Manyawu’s assistance.
The total value stolen is US$20 100 and US$12 000 was recovered.
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