News / National
Policewoman accused of interfering in a kidnap case
18 Feb 2026 at 16:10hrs |
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A Masvingo-based policewoman is facing allegations of interfering in an investigation involving her husband, who, along with accomplices, is accused of attempting to kidnap a 10-year-old boy at Yeukai Business Centre on Sunday.
The complainant's mother, Sarah Fararira, sought legal support from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) amid concerns over the policewoman's alleged interference in the case.
According to reports, five suspects - three men and two women - driving a vehicle without number plates allegedly grabbed the child while he and other children were playing outside the shopping center. When one child screamed, the mother, a vendor at the site, rushed to confront the suspects. Initially, they claimed they were taking the child to her mother, then changed their story to say he was being taken to his father. They attempted to flee but were blocked by bystanders.
The policewoman, who is the wife of one of the suspects, reportedly appeared from a nearby shop and asked the crowd to disperse, claiming the suspects were merely drunk.
Two of the accused, aged 35 and 33, appeared before Magistrate Caroline Tafira Nyoni today and were remanded in custody ahead of a bail hearing scheduled for tomorrow. Their identities have been withheld to avoid prejudicing ongoing investigations. One suspect is reportedly based in South Africa, while the other resides in the ZBS area of Mucheke, Masvingo.
ZHRC lawyers have expressed dissatisfaction with how the police are handling the matter, ordering fresh statements from witnesses and calling for the inclusion of additional key witnesses who were allegedly omitted.
The State alleges that on February 15, 2026, the suspects forcibly removed the child into a white Toyota Prado with undisplayed number plates, unlawfully depriving him of his freedom of movement.
State prosecutor Lyton Katsidzire urged the court to keep the accused in custody, citing strong evidence and eyewitness accounts.
Magistrate Nyoni ordered the two suspects to remain in remand pending the bail application scheduled for 8:30 a.m. tomorrow.
The complainant's mother, Sarah Fararira, sought legal support from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) amid concerns over the policewoman's alleged interference in the case.
According to reports, five suspects - three men and two women - driving a vehicle without number plates allegedly grabbed the child while he and other children were playing outside the shopping center. When one child screamed, the mother, a vendor at the site, rushed to confront the suspects. Initially, they claimed they were taking the child to her mother, then changed their story to say he was being taken to his father. They attempted to flee but were blocked by bystanders.
The policewoman, who is the wife of one of the suspects, reportedly appeared from a nearby shop and asked the crowd to disperse, claiming the suspects were merely drunk.
ZHRC lawyers have expressed dissatisfaction with how the police are handling the matter, ordering fresh statements from witnesses and calling for the inclusion of additional key witnesses who were allegedly omitted.
The State alleges that on February 15, 2026, the suspects forcibly removed the child into a white Toyota Prado with undisplayed number plates, unlawfully depriving him of his freedom of movement.
State prosecutor Lyton Katsidzire urged the court to keep the accused in custody, citing strong evidence and eyewitness accounts.
Magistrate Nyoni ordered the two suspects to remain in remand pending the bail application scheduled for 8:30 a.m. tomorrow.
Source - Mirror
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