Fake Police Officer Jailed 7 Years for Robbery and Kidnapping Spree
A 34-year-old Kuwadzana man has been sentenced to an effective seven years and six months in prison after a Chegutu court found him guilty of a string of offences that included robbery, kidnapping, impersonating public officials and possessing dangerous drugs.
The conviction follows a series of incidents that unfolded in Chegutu earlier this year, during which the accused and several accomplices allegedly masqueraded as government and law enforcement officials to target unsuspecting victims.
Also Read: Zimbabwe Military Police Arrest Fake Soldier For Impersonation and Fraud
Victims Targeted in Separate Attacks
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the group travelled in a white Toyota Hilux on January 26, 2026, while posing as police officers as well as officials from the City of Harare and the Ministry of Defence using counterfeit identity cards.
In one incident, the gang reportedly stormed a man’s residence in Chegutu, assaulted him and placed him in handcuffs before taking US$1,500 in cash. The victim was then forced into their vehicle but later managed to escape and alert authorities.
On the same day, the suspects allegedly struck again, abducting another man and transporting him through several locations before releasing him along the Harare-Bulawayo Road. His freedom reportedly came after relatives paid a US$2,000 ransom.
Roadblock Leads to Arrest
The operation came to an abrupt end when police intercepted the Toyota Hilux at a roadblock near the 39-kilometre peg along the Harare-Bulawayo Road in Norton.
While other members of the group managed to flee, officers arrested the accused at the scene.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a cache of items allegedly used in the crimes, including fake identity cards purportedly issued by the City of Harare, the Ministry of Defence and war veterans’ organisations. Officers also recovered vehicle clamps, handcuffs and a baton.
Court Orders Restitution
Following conviction on all four charges, the court imposed separate sentences that resulted in an effective prison term of seven years and six months.
The court also ordered that US$1,155 recovered during investigations be shared equally between the two complainants as restitution for their losses.
Seized Items Forfeited
As part of the ruling, vehicle clamps recovered from the suspects are to be returned to the City of Harare, while the handcuffs will be handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The dagga and counterfeit identity cards seized during the investigation were forfeited to the State and will be destroyed.
Authorities are continuing investigations to locate and arrest the remaining suspects who escaped during the police operation.
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