Fallen from grace: Ex-cop caught stealing Hwange Colliery bricks
In a shocking turn of events, a former police officer has found himself on the wrong side of the law. Manas Mbano, a 43-year-old resident of Hwange, was recently arraigned before the Hwange Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of theft.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the incident occurred on May 3rd, 2024, when police detectives on a routine patrol stumbled upon a rather unusual sight. They discovered Mbano offloading a truckload of bricks in a bushy area near the GVZ Leisure Centre. Upon closer inspection, the bricks were found to be inscribed with the ‘Wankie’ logo, identifying them as the property of the Hwange Colliery Company.
When confronted, Mbano was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for his possession of the stolen goods. This led to his immediate arrest by the vigilant officers.
The Hwange Colliery Company’s loss control officer subsequently identified the bricks as belonging to the company, further solidifying the case against the former police officer.
Mbano was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with 4 months suspended for 5 years. The remaining 8 months were further suspended on the condition that he performs 280 hours of community service.
This case serves as a sobering reminder that the law applies to all, regardless of one’s past affiliations or position of authority. The downfall of a former law enforcement officer has left the community grappling with the disheartening reality that even those entrusted to uphold the law can sometimes succumb to temptation.
As Mbano faces the consequences of his actions, the Hwange Colliery Company can take solace in the fact that justice has been served, and the integrity of their property has been upheld. This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for robust security measures to prevent such breaches in the future.
The community of Hwange will undoubtedly watch with keen interest as Mbano embarks on his court-ordered community service, a testament to the restorative nature of the justice system.
