A self-proclaimed traditional healer from Chigodora, Petros Chiropa, has been sentenced to 54 months in prison after being convicted of stealing US$20,100 from Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Assistant Commissioner Florence Marume.
Chiropa was also ordered to repay US$8,100, the outstanding balance of the stolen amount.
Appearing before Mutare provincial magistrate Annie Ndiraya, Chiropa faced charges of theft and money laundering. Initially granted bail, he later violated his conditions, leading to his re-arrest. Despite pleading not guilty, overwhelming evidence led to his conviction.
In his defense, Chiropa claimed he was a wealthy healer and denied the allegations, stating that he only knew Marume and her domestic worker, Precious Nyasha Manyawu, through church.
However, court proceedings exposed that Chiropa and Manyawu were romantically involved and had conspired to steal the money.
Investigations revealed that Chiropa had splurged the stolen funds on luxury items, including a Toyota Runx, furniture, and a large television. Meanwhile, Manyawu, who was also implicated in the crime, is currently serving her sentence at Mutare Remand Prison.
Prosecutor Tafadzwa Zulu told the court that Marume had entrusted Manyawu with the money for safekeeping. However, on December 16, 2023, when Marume requested the funds, Manyawu was unable to account for them.
Subsequent investigations traced the missing money to Chiropa, who had taken and spent it with Manyawu’s assistance. Authorities managed to recover US$12,000 of the stolen amount.
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