CID boss seeks discharge

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Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Bulawayo fraud section boss Chief Detective Inspector George Machinga’s lawyers’ yesterday said they will seek the dismissal of his fraud case citing lack of evidence.

Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Bulawayo fraud section boss Chief Detective Inspector George Machinga’s lawyers’ yesterday said they will seek the dismissal of his fraud case citing lack of evidence.

SILAS NKALA STAFF REPORTER

Machinga (44) was arrested early this year for allegedly demanding $300 from Pardon Dube, who was facing charges of masquerading as a lawyer.

Machinga appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Gladmore Mushove and his lawyer Mlamuli Ncube said the State had failed to prove a prima facie case against his client and would be applying for discharge.

“It is my intension to apply for discharge at the close of the State’s case, if I may be allowed to file the written application by August 29,” Ncube said at the close of the State case.

Prosecutor Vivianah Chomo submitted that the State would be able to respond to the defence application on September 5.

Mushove remanded the case to September 12 for a ruling in the application for discharge.

This came after the State had called Detective Manford Ncube from the CID fraud section, who said he did not know if Machinga had extorted money from Dube or not as he was just told when he got to the office.

Ncube accused Machinga’s fellow officers of framing him in an effort to “fix” him for arresting a certain officer’s relative.

According to the State’s case, on June 19, Dube was summoned by a Detective Sergeant Ncube to the CID fraud section on allegations of fraud. He allegedly approached Machinga seeking clarification on the matter and was advised to look for $550.

Machinga allegedly indicated $300 would be used to buy Dube’s freedom and $250 to refund the alleged victim of the fraud, a Cordellia Bhachisi.

On June 20, Dube allegedly sought the help of police commanders and $300 was used to trap Machinga.