ZRP ready to hand over Malloti in South Africa robbery case

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has indicated that it will cooperate fully with South African authorities in the possible extradition of controversial musician Millicent Chimonyo, who is wanted in connection with an alleged armed robbery case in South Africa.

According to authorities, the South African National Prosecuting Authority has engaged Interpol in efforts to locate Malloti in relation to a robbery that reportedly occurred in the Western Cape in 2017.

ZRP spokesperson Paul Nyathi said Zimbabwe is awaiting a formal request from South African authorities before any extradition process can proceed.

"When we spoke last time, we were waiting for the South African authorities to make a formal request," said Nyathi. "We are members of the International Criminal Police Organization and part of SARPCCO."

He emphasized that Zimbabwe continues to cooperate with regional and international law enforcement frameworks, noting that similar extraditions have been successfully conducted between neighbouring countries.

Nyathi added that the ZRP would not hesitate to surrender Malloti once due legal procedures are followed and sufficient evidence is presented.

"Once the due process has been conducted… the ZRP and even the government of Zimbabwe will not hesitate to hand over Malloti," he said.

He further stressed the importance of substantiating the allegations, stating that authorities require concrete information linking the musician to the alleged crime.

The case underscores growing cross-border cooperation among Southern African law enforcement agencies, particularly through mechanisms such as the International Criminal Police Organization and regional policing structures, to ensure that suspects cannot evade justice by crossing borders.

Nyathi reiterated that individuals suspected of committing crimes within the region will be subject to international law and proper legal processes, regardless of where they attempt to seek refuge.