The Latin have a very profound saying which can be translated to “who will guard the guards?” In the case of the thieving presidential guard, this statement can mean that officers of the law watch closely to see if citizens are abiding by the law, however, who is watching them to see if they are abiding by the law? Who will guard the guards?
Such a dilemma was presented when a member of the presidential guard was caught in armed robbery allegations. The presidential guard member, Arnold Matetepa was brought before the courts on Saturday 17 July 2021 facing allegations of armed robbery. He is said to have been arrested when he sought out medical attention for the gunshot he sustained in his rib cage after he was shot by the police amidst an armed robbery attempt.
The court were told that on June 24, Matetepa and his four accomplices robbed Velvet Service Station in Chitungwiza. They are said to have gotten away with US$2 500 cash and other valuables after assaulting and disarming a security guard. It was on that same evening that Matetepa was shot while attempting another robbery.
Harare Magistrate Judith Taruwinga remanded the presidential guard Matetepa on is bed till August 3.
This is not the first time that those that are expected to uphold the law have been caught on the wrong side of it. Another instance that is said to take place frequently is that of police officers boarding mushika-shikas despite the official police statement banning the use of such vehicles.
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