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Detective Kedha fights back after police deny Interpol link
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Controversial private investigator and social media personality Tafadzwa Chidawa, popularly known as Detective Kedha, has fired back at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) after the force publicly disowned his claims of working with Interpol in recovering a stolen vehicle traced to Malawi.
Over the weekend, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a strongly worded statement asserting that Interpol only operates through official police channels and "does not work with private individuals or organisations." The move was widely interpreted as a direct swipe at Chidawa, who had publicised his involvement in the cross-border recovery of a stolen Toyota Land Cruiser.
But Chidawa, who runs Matrix Private Investigations and Security, says the ZRP's remarks are misleading and unfairly diminish the role of private investigators in modern law enforcement partnerships.
In a statement released Sunday, 22 June 2025, Chidawa stood by his team's work and the legitimacy of the recovery operation.
"Interpol is an international organisation comprising multiple member countries, and in all progressive jurisdictions, the role and legitimacy of Private Investigators is clearly recognised," Chidawa stated.
"With specific reference to the recent recovery of a stolen Land Cruiser, we wish to clarify that Matrix Private Investigations and Security was lawfully engaged by the complainant to carry out investigations. Our team successfully traced and located the vehicle in Malawi."
He further claimed that any attempt to discredit the work was not only unprofessional but damaging to the country's efforts to modernise its institutions.
Chidawa stressed that Matrix Private Investigations is a licensed and registered firm that operates within legal boundaries and collaborates with international partners to carry out investigations beyond Zimbabwe's borders.
"Any statements casting doubt on the authenticity of this recovery are not only misleading but undermine a legitimate process undertaken by a licensed firm," read the statement.
"As a nation striving toward modernization and progress across all sectors, any form of unprofessional conduct not only undermines Zimbabwe's Vision of becoming an upper middle-income economy but also risks projecting a regressive image among our peer nations."
The firm urged members of the public to disregard "unfounded reports" and instead rely on verified sources when evaluating such matters.
The standoff has sparked widespread debate over the role of private security firms and their scope of involvement in international crime fighting. While the ZRP maintains that Interpol coordination must occur through official police agencies, Chidawa insists private investigators play a complementary role, especially when contracted by clients in private or civil disputes.
It remains unclear whether legal or regulatory consequences will follow for Matrix or whether the ZRP will escalate the matter.
Meanwhile, the high-profile nature of the case - fueled by Chidawa's sizeable online following - has ensured the story continues to dominate public discussion on the limits and potential of private policing in Zimbabwe.
Over the weekend, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi issued a strongly worded statement asserting that Interpol only operates through official police channels and "does not work with private individuals or organisations." The move was widely interpreted as a direct swipe at Chidawa, who had publicised his involvement in the cross-border recovery of a stolen Toyota Land Cruiser.
But Chidawa, who runs Matrix Private Investigations and Security, says the ZRP's remarks are misleading and unfairly diminish the role of private investigators in modern law enforcement partnerships.
In a statement released Sunday, 22 June 2025, Chidawa stood by his team's work and the legitimacy of the recovery operation.
"Interpol is an international organisation comprising multiple member countries, and in all progressive jurisdictions, the role and legitimacy of Private Investigators is clearly recognised," Chidawa stated.
"With specific reference to the recent recovery of a stolen Land Cruiser, we wish to clarify that Matrix Private Investigations and Security was lawfully engaged by the complainant to carry out investigations. Our team successfully traced and located the vehicle in Malawi."
He further claimed that any attempt to discredit the work was not only unprofessional but damaging to the country's efforts to modernise its institutions.
"Any statements casting doubt on the authenticity of this recovery are not only misleading but undermine a legitimate process undertaken by a licensed firm," read the statement.
"As a nation striving toward modernization and progress across all sectors, any form of unprofessional conduct not only undermines Zimbabwe's Vision of becoming an upper middle-income economy but also risks projecting a regressive image among our peer nations."
The firm urged members of the public to disregard "unfounded reports" and instead rely on verified sources when evaluating such matters.
The standoff has sparked widespread debate over the role of private security firms and their scope of involvement in international crime fighting. While the ZRP maintains that Interpol coordination must occur through official police agencies, Chidawa insists private investigators play a complementary role, especially when contracted by clients in private or civil disputes.
It remains unclear whether legal or regulatory consequences will follow for Matrix or whether the ZRP will escalate the matter.
Meanwhile, the high-profile nature of the case - fueled by Chidawa's sizeable online following - has ensured the story continues to dominate public discussion on the limits and potential of private policing in Zimbabwe.
Source - The Chronicle
