Cop releases armed robbers for $25

 A senior police officer stationed at Nkulumane Police Station has landed in serious trouble after allegedly turning a routine robbery investigation into a personal cash grab.

Shepherd Vutete (49), a trusted law enforcement officer, appeared before Magistrate Archie Wochiwunga this week facing corruption charges after he allegedly released armed robbery suspects in exchange for bribes and attempted negotiations over a vehicle used in the crime.

According to State prosecutor Tafara Dzimbanhete, the incident unfolded on the night of April 26, 2025, when robbery victim Ronnie Chinembiri reported a case around 11:15 PM. A swift joint response by the ZRP Nkulumane, the Canine Unit, and CID Homicide Bulawayo led to the arrest of three suspects: Talent Sibanda, John Dube, and one Eugene. Police also impounded their getaway car, a blue Honda Fit with registration number AFL 4730.

All evidence and suspects were handed over to Vutete for processing. Assistant Inspector Bunga reportedly gave explicit instructions to detain all three suspects and hold the car as an exhibit.

But by 4:00 AM, Vutete had deviated from the script.

He locked up only one suspect, Talent Sibanda, and quietly released the other two, Dube and Eugene, allegedly telling them they could recover the car if they paid US$30. An hour later, the pair returned with the car's owner, Excellency Khabo Mkandla, and negotiated the bribe down to US$25 and ZAR100 - which Vutete allegedly accepted before handing back the vehicle.

The scheme unraveled just hours later when CID Homicide officers returned at 9:00 AM for a follow-up, only to find that the suspects and the car had vanished without a trace. The bribery was quickly exposed, and Vutete was arrested.

The illicit funds have not been recovered, and the incident has sent shockwaves through the police ranks in Bulawayo, raising concerns about internal corruption and the integrity of criminal investigations.

Vutete, who remains in custody, is expected back in court on June 17, 2025.

Police officials have not yet commented publicly on the matter, but sources say internal disciplinary measures are also under consideration. The case is being closely watched as an indicator of the Zimbabwe Republic Police's resolve to clamp down on rogue officers.