News / National
Bogus policemen jailed for possessing drugs, impersonation
10 Dec 2024 at 07:04hrs | Views
Three men accused of impersonating police officers and possessing dangerous drugs were yesterday sentenced in the Harare Magistrates Court. Lloyd Zvama, Clemence Manyika, and Slevester Chaire, all aged 33, appeared before Magistrate Ruth Moyo facing charges related to the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
The trio was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with four months suspended on the condition of good behavior. The remaining eight months of their sentence were converted to 280 hours of community service.
According to Prosecutor Nomsa Kangara, the incident unfolded on January 18, when police received a tip-off about a BMW vehicle being driven by men impersonating detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics division and the President's Office. The men were reportedly apprehending a suspect, Lovemore Mudzekenyedze, for alleged involvement in drug trafficking and were demanding a ransom of US$1,300 from his brother.
An informer, who had witnessed the events, provided critical information that led to the trio's capture. Police tracked the suspects and intercepted them along a side road near the Harare Showgrounds. Upon identifying themselves as law enforcement officers, the bogus trio was unable to produce any police identification, prompting their arrest.
A subsequent search revealed two sachets of crystal methamphetamine in their possession, as well as other law enforcement paraphernalia, including a pair of handcuffs, three GPS tracking devices, and a canister of pepper spray.
The case highlights the growing issue of individuals impersonating police officers to exploit and extort members of the public, with the court's ruling serving as a reminder of the legal consequences faced by those who engage in such illegal activities.
The trio was sentenced to 12 months in prison, with four months suspended on the condition of good behavior. The remaining eight months of their sentence were converted to 280 hours of community service.
According to Prosecutor Nomsa Kangara, the incident unfolded on January 18, when police received a tip-off about a BMW vehicle being driven by men impersonating detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics division and the President's Office. The men were reportedly apprehending a suspect, Lovemore Mudzekenyedze, for alleged involvement in drug trafficking and were demanding a ransom of US$1,300 from his brother.
An informer, who had witnessed the events, provided critical information that led to the trio's capture. Police tracked the suspects and intercepted them along a side road near the Harare Showgrounds. Upon identifying themselves as law enforcement officers, the bogus trio was unable to produce any police identification, prompting their arrest.
A subsequent search revealed two sachets of crystal methamphetamine in their possession, as well as other law enforcement paraphernalia, including a pair of handcuffs, three GPS tracking devices, and a canister of pepper spray.
The case highlights the growing issue of individuals impersonating police officers to exploit and extort members of the public, with the court's ruling serving as a reminder of the legal consequences faced by those who engage in such illegal activities.
Source - newsday
