Expelled cop seeks Chihuri intervention

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A CHIREDZI police officer, who was discharged for allegedly driving former MDC-T Chiredzi West MP Moses Mare’s car — Constable Brighton Mangoto — has appealed against his expulsion from the force.

A CHIREDZI police officer, who was discharged for allegedly driving former MDC-T Chiredzi West MP Moses Mare’s car — Constable Brighton Mangoto — has appealed against his expulsion from the force.

Report By Tatenda Chitagu, OWN CORRESPONDENT

Mangoto, who was fired on July 24 following a police disciplinary hearing, has since sought the intervention of Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri seeking the nullification of the sentence.

Through his lawyer Martin Mureri of Matutu, Kwirira and Associates, Mangoto also argues that the disciplinary board that recommended his dismissal acted in a partisan manner.

“The trial board erred in making a finding that the appellant had acted in an unbecoming or disorderly manner, or in a manner prejudicial to good order or discipline or reasonably likely to bring discredit to the police force because he test-drove the vehicle which he wanted to buy that belonged to the then MDC-T MP,” an exception of the appeal reads.

“The respondent misdirected itself for there was nothing to show that the appellant is not suitable to remain in the force.

“The respondent misdirected itself by taking a political side in discharging the appellant of his duties because it is clear that he was discharged because he drove an MDC-T MP’s car and there is nothing unbecoming in driving a vehicle for the purpose of test-driving with the view to purchase same.”

Mangoto claims he wanted to swop the car with his residential stand.

The cop’s troubles began in May this year after he was seen test-driving Mare’s Madza MPV vehicle which he wanted to buy.

He was spotted by his workmates, who immediately informed their superiors, leading to a disciplinary hearing and his subsequent sacking.