MUTARE – Two of the five security agents facing allegations of robbing a suspected diamond dealer of US$17 580 have skipped the country. The trial of the five enforcement agents failed to kick off at Mutare Magistrate court last week after the two absconded the court session. A warrant of arrest has been issued for them.

The court did not name the two accused, but sources told The Zimbabwean that Kudzanai Kuudzadombo (30) from the Central Intelligence Office in Mutare fled to South Africa while Simbarashe Mashayamombe fled to Mozambique.

The other three accused who were attached to Operation Hakudzokwi in Chiadzwa, Marange are Bramwell Gengezha (31) of Changazi Support Unit base in Birchenough Bridge, Taka Gutsa (27) and Bernard Magaisa (41) – all army intelligence officers based in Masvingo.

In a state case led by prosecutor Jane-Rose Matsikidze it is alleged that on May 15 2009 Trust Mazonde, who is the complainant, and Naison Dhlakama, a Mozambican national, went to Chiadzwa diamond fields with the intention of buying some diamonds.
They went to Itayi Kayisa’s homestead and asked him to go and purchase the precious gems at Mashukashuka Business Centre.
While at the business centre, Kayisa was approached by the five security agents who accused him of dealing in diamonds and harbouring foreign currency dealers at his homestead.

“Kayisa was ordered to drive them (the five) to his homestead in his Toyota truck. When they arrived at the homestead, everyone was ordered to lie down with their stomachs before assaulting everyone with logs. They started demanding diamonds and some cash. One of the security officers then brandished a service pistol at Mazonde’s cheek,” said Matsikidze.
Fearing for his life, the court was told that Mazonde succumbed to the frightening security officers. He took US$13 500 from his pocket and handed it to one of the accused persons.

“Kayisa was forced to drive back at Mashukashuka business centre to get more money. Mazonde and Dhlakama were told to disappear from the area. The following day Mazonde reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of the five,” said Matsikidze.

Additional Reporting: The Zimbabwean