Staff Reporter

A wave of corruption allegations has struck the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) this week, as eight police officers, including three detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and five traffic officers face serious charges of extortion in two separate incidents in Chivhu and Marondera.

The arrests have raised public concern over integrity within the national police force, with officers accused of using their positions, weapons, and roadblocks to intimidate and illegally seize money from citizens.

In Chivhu, three CID detectives, Conscious Nhumbwa, Wellington Muchanyerei, and Solister Mutande are facing charges of engaging in a sustained criminal enterprise that allegedly spanned from January to August 2025, targeting local businessman Learnmore Gwata.

The state alleges the officers first accosted Gwata on January 7, 2025, driving to his 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,” the court was told.

The officers allegedly handcuffed Gwata and bundled him into the boot of their vehicle, demanding US1,000.

Gwata later handed over US500 at his Northwood home under duress.

The abuse of power allegedly continued in May 2025 when the trio ambushed Gwata at his house over a vehicle carrying fuel, demanding US500 to prevent arrest, a sum settled with a US300 payment.

A third incident in August 2025 saw the officers waylay Gwata on the Harare–Masvingo Highway over diesel, resulting in the extortion of US200.

In a brazen act, the officers allegedly gave the victim back US80 as a loan to be repaid later.

Meanwhile, five ZRP traffic officers from Marondera were arrested over the weekend in a joint sting operation spearheaded by police internal investigators and the Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO).

The arrested officers have been identified as Sergeant Mugutso, and Constables Dzomba, Chabhanga, Rusinga, and Madondo.

They are accused of demanding US$540 from a motorist, Craig Nyandoro.

SARACO director Paddington Kadzungura confirmed the arrests, stating that the operation was launched after Nyandoro reported the extortion to the anti-corruption body.

The officers were reportedly manning a roadblock when they flagged down Nyandoro, insisting on payment despite the motorist producing valid documentation for his recently imported vehicle.

“They forcibly extorted US$540 from him and his frustration led to a report being filed at SARACO,” Kadzungura explained.

The joint investigation team advised Nyandoro to communicate with the officers, demanding the return of his money while avoiding negotiations.

The officers, sensing danger, attempted to negotiate and offered to return the money.

The sting operation culminated when the joint team of SARACO and internal investigators travelled to Marondera.

The officers were called from their roadblock and arrested on the spot.

The five traffic officers are currently detained at Marondera Police Station.