6 cops charged over illegal fingerprinting racket

Six police officers appeared before Harare magistrate Jesse Kufa on charges of criminal abuse of office after allegedly operating unauthorised fingerprinting stations in their vehicles and collecting payments from members of the public in the city centre.

The officers — James Jonasi (42), Loreta Sibanda (35), Rebecca Mukarakate (41), Kiven Mareyanadzo (37), Likwa Moyo (40) and Vongai Munapo (38) — are accused of charging US$10 per person for fingerprinting services required to obtain police clearance certificates. They were represented in court by Tafadzwa Muvhami of Muvhami Attorneys. Each officer was granted US$150 bail, and the matter was remanded to February 20.

According to the State, represented by Lancelot Mutsokoti, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Harare Anti-Corruption team received a tip on January 5, 2026, about individuals posing as police officers collecting fingerprints and money from the public at the Harare Central car park.

Acting on the tip, the team found Rumbidzai Munhanzi with completed fingerprint forms, who led them to a white Toyota Wish (registration AFB 3822). Inside the vehicle, Nickson Tichafa Jokomo, a civilian, was taking fingerprints from Munhanzi. A search uncovered fingerprint kits, blank forms and completed certificates. Jokomo implicated Jonasi, who was later arrested. Further searches of Jonasi's car revealed additional fingerprint materials, leading to the arrest of Sibanda and Mukarakate. Jonasi, stationed at Budiriro Police Station rather than Harare Central, had a cellphone suspected of containing evidence of the illegal activity, which was sent for forensic analysis.

On the same day, the Anti-Corruption team received another tip about a suspicious officer taking fingerprints at Customs House. They reportedly found Mareyanadzo with six people filling out police clearance forms, some inside his white Honda Shuttle (registration AGG 0995). Mareyanadzo allegedly charged each person US$10. A search of his vehicle uncovered fingerprint tools and forms, and he implicated Moyo and Munapo, who were later arrested. His cellphone was also sent for forensic analysis to gather evidence of the alleged unauthorised fingerprinting operation.

The case highlights growing concerns over corruption and abuse of office within the police force, particularly regarding the collection of payments for official services.