Harare Cop Faces Abuse of Office Charges After Selling State-Issued Police Uniforms

Harare Cop Faces Abuse of Office Charges After Selling State-Issued Police Uniforms

A Harare-based police officer, Muteswa Shamain Dzingai, was arrested for selling more than 30 sets of police uniforms, in what authorities say amounts to a blatant abuse of office.

State-issued police uniforms are strictly prohibited from being sold, making the alleged actions a serious violation of law enforcement regulations.

Dzingai appeared before regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, facing charges of criminal abuse of office. He was released on US$200 bail and is expected to return to court on 25 November as investigations continue.

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Prosecutor Details How the Police Officer Supplied Uniforms for Cash

Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi told the court that the police officer’s troubles began in early September when fellow cop Justice Chasiya, from the Police Band, approached him for assistance in acquiring police uniforms.

Chasiya allegedly requested 40 riot trousers, 50 Special Tactics Unit (STU) caps, and 20 grey shirts. Dzingai reportedly supplied the items and pocketed US$1 000 for his role in the transaction.

The uniforms were later sold by Chasiya to other officers, creating a network of illegal sales within the force.

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Investigation Leads to Arrest and Police Probe

The scheme unraveled on 23 October when Chasiya was arrested for the illegal sale of police uniforms. During questioning, he implicated Dzingai as the supplier.

“The conduct is inconsistent with his duties as a law enforcement officer,” argued the prosecution.

Authorities have emphasized that the sale of police uniforms undermines law enforcement integrity and is a serious breach of public trust.