Zimbabwe police order arrest of retired cop

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reportedly issued an alert to its stations directing officers to arrest retired Assistant Inspector Tongai Fambi if he is found engaging in political activities.

Fambi, who left the police service and subsequently formed the National Progressive Democrats (NPD), has previously faced disciplinary proceedings over his involvement in politics. Reports in 2025 identified him as a former ZRP Assistant Inspector who had entered active politics after leaving the force.

According to sources, Fambi was convicted at a police disciplinary hearing for allegedly engaging in political activities while still serving as a police officer. He was reportedly sentenced to 10 days at Fairbridge Police Camp in Bulawayo.

Sources said Fambi was concerned about his safety at the detention facility. His appeal against the disciplinary conviction was reportedly dismissed.

Fambi has since become the leader of the NPD and has publicly criticised the government. In April 2026, he was arrested after failing to appear before a police disciplinary hearing and was subsequently re-arrested on a cyberbullying allegation linked to social media posts critical of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration. Prosecutors later declined to proceed with that charge at the time, according to reports.

The latest reported police directive could further escalate tensions surrounding the former officer's political activities.