Zimbabwe's honest cop returns wallet with US$4,000

In a remarkable display of integrity, Constable Amos Kaitano, a neighbourhood watch volunteer with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) stationed at Karoi Rural, has won the admiration of many after returning a wallet containing US$4,100 to its rightful owner.

The incident, which occurred on October 15, 2025, has turned Kaitano into a symbol of honesty within the police force and beyond — a rare act of virtue at a time when corruption and mistrust often dominate public discourse.

The wallet, belonging to Tawanda Mangozho, a 43-year-old businessman from rural Karoi, was discovered shortly after he had visited the police station for fingerprint clearance.

"I came out after being attended to, unknowingly having lost my wallet," Mangozho said.
"About 25 minutes later, I received a call from the officer-in-charge informing me that my wallet had been found. When I arrived, everything was intact — all the money and documents. I was overwhelmed with gratitude."

Despite earning no salary as a volunteer, Kaitano chose to hand in the wallet untouched. His act of honesty, authorities say, has rekindled faith in the integrity of the police service.

Drawing comparisons to Florence Nightingale, the British nurse renowned for her selfless service during wartime, observers say Kaitano's gesture exemplifies service above self - a rare quality in today's challenging economic climate.

"Just like Nightingale, Constable Kaitano has shown that true service is about putting others first," said one senior officer. "He has reminded us that integrity and compassion still matter."

Officer Commanding Hurungwe District, Chief Superintendent Kezias Karuru, praised Kaitano's conduct, describing it as exemplary and deserving of national recognition.

"His level of honesty and integrity is exceptional. We are proud of him," Karuru said.
"Every citizen has a duty to surrender lost property to the police. Constable Kaitano's action has helped restore public confidence in the force and serves as a shining example of what it means to serve with honour."

Kaitano's deed comes at a time when sections of the police have been under public scrutiny over alleged misconduct at roadblocks. The ZRP has recently reiterated its commitment to ethical policing and public accountability.

In a statement this week, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi clarified the force's policy on roadblock deployment, assuring the public that all operations are subject to strict oversight.

"The policy of the Zimbabwe Republic Police is that no roadblocks are manned within a 30 to 50-kilometre radius of each policing area, whether urban or rural," said Comm Nyathi.
"Roadblocks are only increased during national events, public order situations or special operations targeting criminal activity. Any officer found violating these standards will face disciplinary action."

For now, however, the spotlight remains on Constable Kaitano — a humble volunteer whose simple act of honesty has reaffirmed the enduring value of integrity within the police service.