Fake ZACC Officer Nabbed in Impersonation Scam

Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent

A Hatfield man has been arrested after allegedly impersonating a Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officer in an attempt to retrieve goods from an impounded bus.

Munashe Mukaronda ,27, appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts charged with impersonating a public official.

According to the State, on June 13 at around 1:25 AM, police officers on an anti-smuggling operation impounded a bus — logistics registration number AFQ 7703 and Fly One trailer LC 60 JK GP — which was coming from South Africa, for carrying undeclared goods. The vehicle was escorted to BAK Storage for reassessment.

Later that day, around 11:30 AM, Mukaronda allegedly approached the parked bus and introduced himself to the driver and conductor as a ZACC officer. He then forcefully demanded the return of goods he claimed were his.

The conductor advised Mukaronda to seek clearance from Zimbabwe Revenue Authority officials, as the bus was now in their custody.

This led to an argument that drew the attention of Detective John Mvundura, who had participated in the earlier impoundment.

Mvundura approached the scene and requested Mukaronda to produce his identification. When he failed to do so, further checks revealed that he was impersonating a public official.

A search of Mukaronda’s pockets led to the discovery of a Zimbabwe National Army identity card bearing the name Mangwiro Calvin, with BK number 828684S.

Investigations are ongoing.