Two senior police officers who stole over $8 000 from the force's income-generating project, Kuyedza Women's Club, were on Monday each sentenced to an effective nine months in prison. Senior staff officer Fortunate Chirara (39) and Inspector John Madhuku (41) were convicted of theft after a fully contested trial by magistrate Ms Josephine Sande.
They denied the allegations, but were convicted due to overwhelming evidence. Ms Sande sentenced the pair to 24 months each in prison before suspending six months for five years on condition they do not commit a similar offence within that period. A further nine months were set aside on condition they restitute the money to Kuyedza Women's Club. The duo will serve nine months each in jail. In passing sentence, Ms Sande indicated that the two were police officers working in an organisation which is reputed for integrity. She said their moral blameworthiness was high, adding that community service or fine would trivialise the offence.
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