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3 cops arrested for armed robbery
39 mins ago |
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Three police officers stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Chivhu have been arrested and charged with armed robbery and extortion. The accused - Conscious Nhumbwa, Wellington Muchanyerei, and Solister Mutande - allegedly used their positions in the Zimbabwe Republic Police to intimidate and extort money from a local man, Learnmore Gwata, over several months.
According to the State, the criminal activities began on January 7, 2025, when the trio allegedly visited Gwata's rural home in Desve Village armed with a pistol. Prosecutor Mike Choto told the court that Mutande pointed a firearm at Gwata, falsely accusing him of stealing tiles from Dinson Iron and Steel Company. The officers allegedly forced Gwata to their vehicle, demanded US$1,000, and handcuffed him in the boot when he claimed he only had US$500. Gwata reportedly surrendered the money under duress.
In May 2025, the officers allegedly ambushed Gwata again at his home while he arrived with a fuel-laden vehicle. After inspecting his car and discovering diesel, they reportedly demanded US$500 to avoid arrest, with Gwata paying US$300.
The alleged spree continued in August 2025 along the Harare–Masvingo Highway. The officers are said to have waylaid Gwata, searched his vehicle for diesel, and demanded further payment. They reportedly escorted him home to collect US$200, returning US$80 as a "loan" after Gwata pleaded financial difficulty. He later paid the remaining amount.
The three accused officers have been brought before court as investigations continue. Further updates on the case are expected as legal proceedings progress.
According to the State, the criminal activities began on January 7, 2025, when the trio allegedly visited Gwata's rural home in Desve Village armed with a pistol. Prosecutor Mike Choto told the court that Mutande pointed a firearm at Gwata, falsely accusing him of stealing tiles from Dinson Iron and Steel Company. The officers allegedly forced Gwata to their vehicle, demanded US$1,000, and handcuffed him in the boot when he claimed he only had US$500. Gwata reportedly surrendered the money under duress.
In May 2025, the officers allegedly ambushed Gwata again at his home while he arrived with a fuel-laden vehicle. After inspecting his car and discovering diesel, they reportedly demanded US$500 to avoid arrest, with Gwata paying US$300.
The alleged spree continued in August 2025 along the Harare–Masvingo Highway. The officers are said to have waylaid Gwata, searched his vehicle for diesel, and demanded further payment. They reportedly escorted him home to collect US$200, returning US$80 as a "loan" after Gwata pleaded financial difficulty. He later paid the remaining amount.
The three accused officers have been brought before court as investigations continue. Further updates on the case are expected as legal proceedings progress.
Source - Newsday
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