News / National
4 arrested in US$500 extortion scam
02 Sep 2025 at 06:33hrs | 207 Views
Police in Manicaland have arrested four suspects accused of attempting to extort US$500 from a woman by promising to influence her husband's ongoing criminal case.
The accused - Nigel Godwin Mukuruzado, Reginald Ndarera, Shaloom Nyamazana, and Tinashe Chiwaye - allegedly told the woman they had connections in the justice system who could help reduce her husband's murder charge to a lesser offence of culpable homicide.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests, saying officers caught the suspects during a sting operation. "They were arrested while receiving the money from the complainant. We want to warn the public that such scams are on the rise and that genuine legal processes cannot be manipulated through bribery," he said.
The case has sparked debate about corruption and desperation within Zimbabwe's legal system. Legal experts say while some scams are carried out by impostors, others involve real court insiders abusing their positions. "This shows how vulnerable families of accused persons become when they are desperate. They are easily exploited by criminals who promise to influence outcomes," said lawyer Fungai Mazenge.
The four suspects are expected to appear in court this week. Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious approaches linked to ongoing cases.
The accused - Nigel Godwin Mukuruzado, Reginald Ndarera, Shaloom Nyamazana, and Tinashe Chiwaye - allegedly told the woman they had connections in the justice system who could help reduce her husband's murder charge to a lesser offence of culpable homicide.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests, saying officers caught the suspects during a sting operation. "They were arrested while receiving the money from the complainant. We want to warn the public that such scams are on the rise and that genuine legal processes cannot be manipulated through bribery," he said.
The case has sparked debate about corruption and desperation within Zimbabwe's legal system. Legal experts say while some scams are carried out by impostors, others involve real court insiders abusing their positions. "This shows how vulnerable families of accused persons become when they are desperate. They are easily exploited by criminals who promise to influence outcomes," said lawyer Fungai Mazenge.
The four suspects are expected to appear in court this week. Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspicious approaches linked to ongoing cases.
Source - NewZimbabwe
