Harare – A dark cloud hangs over the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) this week, as multiple incidents of alleged corruption and criminal activity involving law enforcement officers have come to light. In separate cases, three detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Chivhu and five traffic police officers from Marondera are facing serious charges, raising concerns about integrity within the force.
The Chivhu case centres around three CID officers, identified as Conscious Nhumbwa, Wellington Muchanyerei, and Solister Mutande, who stand accused of engaging in a criminal enterprise spanning from January to August 2025. The state alleges that the trio used their positions within the police force to intimidate and extort money from a local businessman, Learnmore Gwata.
Prosecutor Mike Choto laid out a series of disturbing allegations before the court. According to the State’s case, the officers allegedly colluded to forcibly obtain money from Gwata, beginning on January 7, 2025. It is alleged that the three officers, armed with a pistol, drove to Gwata’s rural home in Desve Village.
“Upon arrival, Mutande allegedly pointed a firearm at the complainant, accusing him of stealing tiles from Dinson Iron and Steel Company, a case that did not exist,” Choto told the court. The officers then allegedly forced Gwata into their vehicle, demanding US$1 000. When Gwata stated he only had US$500 at his house in Northwood, Chivhu, they allegedly handcuffed him and bundled him into the boot of the car. He later gave them the money under duress.
The alleged abuse of power did not end there. In May 2025, the accused officers are said to have ambushed Gwata at his home as he arrived with a vehicle carrying fuel. After searching his car and discovering diesel, they allegedly demanded US$500 to avoid arrest. Gwata reportedly paid them US$300.
A third incident allegedly occurred in August 2025, when the officers waylaid Gwata along the Harare–Masvingo Highway. After searching his vehicle and again finding diesel, they allegedly demanded money. The officers then allegedly escorted him home to collect US$200. In a particularly brazen act, they allegedly gave him back US$80 as a “loan” to be repaid later, after he pleaded with them that he had not yet paid his rentals. He subsequently repaid the money.
Meanwhile, in a separate but equally concerning development, five police officers from the ZRP Marondera traffic section were arrested on Thursday last week in a sting operation. The officers are accused of demanding US$540 from a motorist, Craig Nyandoro.
The operation was a joint effort between police internal investigators and the Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO). SARACO director Paddington Kadzungura confirmed the arrest of the five officers, who have been identified as Sergeant Mugutso, and Constables Dzomba, Chabhanga, Rusinga, and Madondo.
Kadzungura detailed the events leading to the arrest. “They forcibly extorted US$540 from him and his frustration led to a report being filed at SARACO through one of its assistant deputy directors who immediately alerted the office,” he said.
According to reports, the five officers were manning a roadblock when they flagged down Nyandoro, accusing him of driving a recently imported vehicle without valid documentation. Despite Nyandoro producing the vehicle’s documents, the officers allegedly insisted on payment.
“Communication was made to Assistant Commissioner Dhlakama and Chief Superintendent Chokuda by the chairperson of SARACO,” Kadzungura explained. “Arrangements were made and a team comprising two senior details from SARACO and five details from Internal Investigations were dispatched to Marondera.”
Nyandoro, under the guidance of the investigators, communicated with the officers, demanding the return of his money. Kadzungura explained that Nyandoro was advised to avoid negotiations until arrangements were made which would lead to their arrest.
“The police officers sensing danger attempted to negotiate with the accused begging him not to report the matter and promising that they will return the money,” the statement read. “However, the complainant was advised not to entertain the accused persons until proper arrangements were made which would lead to their arrest.”
The sting operation culminated on Thursday, when the joint team of SARACO and internal investigators travelled to Marondera. “The officer-in-charge Marondera was informed about the reason why the two teams had visited and the accused persons who had gone to a roadblock were called and arrested,” Kadzungura said.
The five officers are currently detained at Marondera Police Station under case number RRB 6245854 and face charges of extortion as defined in the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act [Chapter 9:23].
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