Upenyu Chaota
Assistant Commissioner Florence Marume, who has been in charge of police operations
in Masvingo province, is facing the possibility of getting transferred to Chitungwiza,
EnviroPress can report.
The transfer follows her recent heroic exploits at work which saw her singlehandedly
busting a lithium syndicate in May.
Her immediate boss, Masvingo provincial police commander Commissioner David
Mahoya has already been transferred to Mashonaland West.
During the bust, she arrested 17 male suspects on charges of smuggling 3 700 tonnes of
lithium-bearing ore from the Chinese-owned Bikita Minerals though none of the
suspects have successfully been prosecuted to date.
In recognition for her heroic deeds, Ass Com Marume is said to have received an award
from the police headquarters in Harare.
When contacted for comment, Ass Com Marume said she was not in a position to
comment on the issue and referred all questions to the provincial police spokesperson
Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa.
“The right person to speak to is our provincial police spokesperson. He comments on all
issues that happens in the province,” said Ass Com Marume.
Insp Dhewa said the national police spokesperson Ass Com Paul Nyati was better placed
to comment on the issue.
EnviroPress tried to reach out to Ass Com Nyati but his mobile went unanswered.
After her heroic bust, it is said the lithium syndicate targeted Ass Com Marume accusing
her of being a part of the team though it is all a matter of sour grapes.
EnviroPress established that Ass Com Marume’s transfer has been temporarily shelved
after some senior politicians from Masvingo intervened for her stay ahead of the August
23 harmonised elections.
“She was supposed to leave because her presence was bad for the lithium syndicate
business. But, there are some Zanu PF leaders who believe that moving Ass Com
Marume at a moment when the elections are around the corner was also a bad idea.
“If you want someone to hold the fort then Ass Com Marume is the right candidate. She
will be a cog in Zanu PF’s grip on Masvingo ahead of the elections which is why some
officials pleaded for her to stay.
“She is likely to go after elections,” said a police source who requested anonymity.
