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City unmasks rogue ex-employee extorting motorists in Harare CBD
1 hr ago |
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The City of Harare has exposed a former municipal police officer accused of extorting money from residents while masquerading as a parking attendant in the central business district (CBD).
In a statement, the local authority identified the suspect as Farai G. Garachani, a former Harare Metropolitan Police patrolman who was dismissed earlier this year for extortion-related misconduct. Despite his dismissal, Garachani is alleged to have continued operating in the CBD, demanding money from motorists and residents under false pretences.
The city further warned that Garachani is not acting alone, revealing the existence of a gang of criminals posing as municipal police officers who have allegedly been threatening and harassing members of the public.
"It has come to our attention that there is a gang of criminals masquerading as municipal police officers who are threatening and harassing residents," the council said in the statement. "Authorities have been alerted with a view to arresting and prosecuting the suspects."
The local authority urged anyone who may have fallen victim to the suspect and his associates to report the matter immediately to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and municipal authorities to aid investigations.
Council also reiterated that all municipal police officers are required to be in full uniform and properly identify themselves at all times.
"The City of Harare urges residents to be vigilant and continue exposing and reporting such transgressions," the statement said. "All municipal police must adequately identify themselves and must wear uniforms at all times."
The city said it is working with law enforcement agencies to curb the growing problem of impostors and protect residents from extortion and harassment in the capital.
In a statement, the local authority identified the suspect as Farai G. Garachani, a former Harare Metropolitan Police patrolman who was dismissed earlier this year for extortion-related misconduct. Despite his dismissal, Garachani is alleged to have continued operating in the CBD, demanding money from motorists and residents under false pretences.
The city further warned that Garachani is not acting alone, revealing the existence of a gang of criminals posing as municipal police officers who have allegedly been threatening and harassing members of the public.
"It has come to our attention that there is a gang of criminals masquerading as municipal police officers who are threatening and harassing residents," the council said in the statement. "Authorities have been alerted with a view to arresting and prosecuting the suspects."
The local authority urged anyone who may have fallen victim to the suspect and his associates to report the matter immediately to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and municipal authorities to aid investigations.
Council also reiterated that all municipal police officers are required to be in full uniform and properly identify themselves at all times.
"The City of Harare urges residents to be vigilant and continue exposing and reporting such transgressions," the statement said. "All municipal police must adequately identify themselves and must wear uniforms at all times."
The city said it is working with law enforcement agencies to curb the growing problem of impostors and protect residents from extortion and harassment in the capital.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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