daglous masveta
Crime Reporter
A 47-year-old man has been arrested on allegations of masquerading as a policeman during a Star FM programme titled “Tilder Live Show.”
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.
“Reference is made to a Tilder Moyo Star FM programme titled “Tilder Live Show, Zvinoyera nezvinotyisa nezvinoda kufumurwa,” held on the 17th of December, 2024.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of a bogus police officer, Shepherd Mangoma (47) of Budiriro , Harare, for impersonation and extortion.
“The arrest of the suspect follows the appearance of the late Darlington
Tendai Mapiki’s family members on the Star FM programme where they raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the death of Darlington Tendai Mapiki on October 27th, 2024, in Rugare.
“The family disputed the post-mortem results which indicated that Mapiki had committed suicide and suspected foul play.
“The family members then claimed that on the 9th of December 2024, they were approached by the suspect who posed as a detective stationed at CID Homicide, Harare,” he said.
The suspect allegedly claimed to have information concerning the death of Mapiki and demanded US$500 from his family to facilitate the arrest of the suspects linked to their relative’s death.
“Mangoma alleged that the pathologist had been bribed to manipulate the post-mortem results and that five people who included a businessman and a traditional healer were involved in Mapiki’s murder for ritual purposes.
“On the 18th of December 2024, the family reported the matter at the CID Police Anti-Corruption Unit, Harare, leading to a trap being set. The suspect was arrested at Rainbow Towers Hotel, Harare, after being handed US$200 by the family.
Commissioner Nyathi said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores the public to be vigilant and to report individuals who approach them claiming to be police officers on the streets, shopping centres or other places outside police establishments, demanding cash or personal information.
He said the public should report such individuals on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631, WhatsApp 0712 800 197 or at the nearest police station.”
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