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Bogus cop remanded over Zanu PF-linked abduction claims
1 hr ago |
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A Chitungwiza man, Simbarashe Rondozai, has been remanded in custody after being accused of impersonating a police officer and kidnapping a former subordinate over alleged links to Zanu PF security contracts.
Rondozai appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo facing a charge of kidnapping. According to the State, in May last year Rondozai and unidentified accomplices went to the complainant's residence in Chitungwiza, falsely identifying themselves as members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The complainant's brother, who overheard the interaction, approached the group, and Rondozai allegedly told him that they intended to arrest the complainant for an unspecified offence. Court papers state that the complainant was forcibly bundled into a Honda Fit, assaulted, handcuffed, and blindfolded, before being driven to an unknown location.
Prosecutors say Rondozai threatened the complainant with death if he reported the matter to the police or implicated anyone. He allegedly demanded information regarding how the complainant's former employer, Real Star Security Company, protected its top management, secured government contracts, and how its chief executive, Cashington Mavhunduke, was linked to Zanu PF leadership.
Rondozai is also alleged to have driven the complainant to a site he claimed was where pro-democracy activist Itai Dzamara was killed, warning him he would suffer the same fate if he defied orders. The complainant was later dumped near Manyame River Bridge along the New Chitungwiza Road before Rondozai fled the scene.
Fearing for his life, the complainant fled to South Africa in June 2025 and remained in hiding until December. The matter was reported to police on 17 January 2026, leading to Rondozai's arrest.
Rondozai appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo facing a charge of kidnapping. According to the State, in May last year Rondozai and unidentified accomplices went to the complainant's residence in Chitungwiza, falsely identifying themselves as members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The complainant's brother, who overheard the interaction, approached the group, and Rondozai allegedly told him that they intended to arrest the complainant for an unspecified offence. Court papers state that the complainant was forcibly bundled into a Honda Fit, assaulted, handcuffed, and blindfolded, before being driven to an unknown location.
Prosecutors say Rondozai threatened the complainant with death if he reported the matter to the police or implicated anyone. He allegedly demanded information regarding how the complainant's former employer, Real Star Security Company, protected its top management, secured government contracts, and how its chief executive, Cashington Mavhunduke, was linked to Zanu PF leadership.
Rondozai is also alleged to have driven the complainant to a site he claimed was where pro-democracy activist Itai Dzamara was killed, warning him he would suffer the same fate if he defied orders. The complainant was later dumped near Manyame River Bridge along the New Chitungwiza Road before Rondozai fled the scene.
Fearing for his life, the complainant fled to South Africa in June 2025 and remained in hiding until December. The matter was reported to police on 17 January 2026, leading to Rondozai's arrest.
Source - newsday
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