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Bogus cop arrested over Star FM programme
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A 47-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly masquerading as a police officer during a live broadcast of Star FM's Tilder Live Show, according to a statement from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Shepherd Mangoma, a resident of Budiriro, Harare, on charges of impersonation and extortion.
The arrest follows Mangoma's involvement in a segment of Tilder Live Show titled Zvinoyera nezvinotyisa nezvinoda kufumurwa on December 17, 2024. During the show, the family of the late Darlington Tendai Mapiki, who died on October 27, 2024, in Rugare under disputed circumstances, raised concerns about the official conclusion that Mapiki had committed suicide.
The family suspected foul play in Mapiki's death and revealed that Mangoma, posing as a detective from the CID Homicide Unit in Harare, approached them on December 9, 2024. He allegedly claimed to possess critical information about Mapiki's death and demanded a $500 bribe to facilitate arrests of individuals he claimed were involved in the alleged murder.
Mangoma reportedly told the family that a pathologist had been bribed to falsify the post-mortem results and implicated five individuals, including a businessman and a traditional healer, in what he described as a ritual killing.
Following these claims, the family reported the matter to the CID Anti-Corruption Unit in Harare on December 18, 2024. A trap was set, leading to Mangoma's arrest at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare after he received $200 from the family.
Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to remain vigilant and report individuals falsely claiming to be police officers. He emphasized that law enforcement personnel operate through official channels and do not solicit money from the public.
"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," Nyathi stated.
He encouraged citizens to report such cases via the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, WhatsApp number 0712 800 197, or at the nearest police station.
The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to clamp down on fraud and extortion, particularly involving individuals posing as law enforcement officers.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Shepherd Mangoma, a resident of Budiriro, Harare, on charges of impersonation and extortion.
The arrest follows Mangoma's involvement in a segment of Tilder Live Show titled Zvinoyera nezvinotyisa nezvinoda kufumurwa on December 17, 2024. During the show, the family of the late Darlington Tendai Mapiki, who died on October 27, 2024, in Rugare under disputed circumstances, raised concerns about the official conclusion that Mapiki had committed suicide.
The family suspected foul play in Mapiki's death and revealed that Mangoma, posing as a detective from the CID Homicide Unit in Harare, approached them on December 9, 2024. He allegedly claimed to possess critical information about Mapiki's death and demanded a $500 bribe to facilitate arrests of individuals he claimed were involved in the alleged murder.
Mangoma reportedly told the family that a pathologist had been bribed to falsify the post-mortem results and implicated five individuals, including a businessman and a traditional healer, in what he described as a ritual killing.
Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to remain vigilant and report individuals falsely claiming to be police officers. He emphasized that law enforcement personnel operate through official channels and do not solicit money from the public.
"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," Nyathi stated.
He encouraged citizens to report such cases via the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, WhatsApp number 0712 800 197, or at the nearest police station.
The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to clamp down on fraud and extortion, particularly involving individuals posing as law enforcement officers.
Source - The Herald
