MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – A farm worker in Nyazvidzi, Gutu who also served as a driver for his employer was arrested by Police in Masvingo yesterday after it was discovered that he allegedly withdrew his 76-year-old employer’s pensions for eight months.So far the total amount discovered stolen is ZWG 7 514.

Prince Chinganga was arrested in Masvingo yesterday after Mbuya Raviro Takaona of Farm 98 enquired from ZB Bank why her monthly pension allowances were no longer coming.

The pension is from her late husband, Augustine Tsikirai Takaona.The Bank referred her to Econet as her bank account is linked to EcoCash. At Econet she was told that the money was being withdrawn by Chinganga who incidentally was with her in the banking hall.Chinganga was whisked to Masvingo Central Police Station where he was immediately arrested and spent the night in the cells waiting to go to court today.

Masvingo Assistant Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the case to The Mirror.Mbuya Takaona has since opened various other cases against the accused as she suspects that he had a hand in thefts that occured at the farm.Last year she lost two beasts that were driven from the cattle pen and slaughtered 2km away.

Ironically another beast stolen from another farm (Mugarajira) was found tethered to a tree unharmed when her beasts were slaughtered.She is missing about 40bags of maize from her storeroom and many bags of chicken feed were stolen and allegedly used by the accused to start his own project at a neighbouring farm.She also suspects that the accused is the one responsible for vandalizing the security system at her home.

Ironically, the complainant has been supporting the accused’s welfare beyond his salaries. She bought a stand for the accused and bought building material for him. She also assisted him to buy two beasts for his new rural home.

Nyazvidzi Farming area has become a crime scene as there is no Police post in the vast farming area. Appeals to Police to establish a post fell on deaf ears. Cases of rape, assaults, domestic violence, attempted murder go unreported or are never resolved because of the high transport costs to Mpandawana where there is a Police station.

Stock theft is rampant in the area but farmers no longer report because there is not one case that has been resolved. Police is only seen in the area when there are addressing political issues and stopping social soccer etc.