'Detective Kedha' convicted of kidnapping Harare woman

Notorious private investigator Tafadzwa Chidawa, widely known as "Detective Kedha," has been convicted of kidnapping a Harare woman in a dramatic case that unfolded last year. The conviction came after a full trial before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Banda.

Chidawa, who has courted controversy in the past for his unconventional investigative tactics and social media presence, was found guilty of kidnapping Shallom Gandiya, a director at Jaimy Technologies. He was, however, acquitted on charges of impersonation, assault, and cyberbullying.

Magistrate Banda ordered Chidawa to pay a fine of US$200 by July 14, 2025, or face imprisonment. The State, represented by prosecutor Dzidzai Josiah, successfully argued that Chidawa had overstepped legal boundaries in his investigative work.

According to court proceedings, the incident took place on March 5, 2024. Chidawa, working with accomplices including Gandiya's then-boyfriend Lazarus James, allegedly kidnapped her under the guise of conducting a private investigation. The group forcibly bundled her into their car and drove around various locations in Harare for five hours before finally dropping her off at Harare Central Police Station.

At the station, the group presented what they claimed was a crime reference number from the Zimbabwe Republic Police Gweru branch. Upon verification, police officers at Harare Central discovered the reference number was fake.

During her ordeal, Gandiya was deprived of her liberty without any lawful justification, prompting her to file a police report that eventually led to Chidawa's arrest and prosecution.

The case has reignited debate around the conduct and oversight of private investigators operating in Zimbabwe, many of whom operate without clear legal boundaries or formal recognition. Chidawa, known for his flamboyant persona and public exploits, has not commented publicly on the conviction.