Vongai Masuka

Assistant Inspector Mandizvidza, a police officer who gained national notoriety in August after declaring himself the new police chief has been indefinitely committed to the Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit after three medical experts deemed him mentally unfit to stand trial.

Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai ruled that Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza, who faces multiple criminal charges including transmitting false information and causing disaffection within security forces, will have his prosecution formally abandoned until doctors confirm his recovery.

The magistrate based the ruling on medical reports from two state doctors and one private doctor, all of whom confirmed that Assistant Inspector Mandizvidza was not of sound mental health.

He has been committed to the psychiatric unit for an indefinite period.

His charges stem from a series of viral recordings he made while at his residence at ZRP Hatfield Police Camp.
In the videos, the Assistant Inspector made controversial declarations, including giving all Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe a 48-hour ultimatum to leave the country.

He was also charged with breaches of the Road Traffic Act and theft of a police vehicle.
Prosecutors alleged Mandizvidza stole a police Ford Ranger after misrepresenting to his superior, Fidios Chiteure, that he had been sent by Commissioner Makomo for official errands.

The vehicle was later recovered in Waerera Village in Bindura.