Two men, Cephas Kwriwiri ,41, and Taizivei Maramwidze ,55, have been arrested and charged with attempted extortion after allegedly trying to coerce an employer into paying a bribe to resolve a fabricated salary dispute.
The pair appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo and were granted bail pending trial.
According to the prosecution, led by Lawrence Gangarahwe, the incident began on November 7, 2025, when Kwriwiri and Maramwidze met the complainant at Zindoga Shopping Centre in Harare.
They allegedly claimed to represent disgruntled employees and demanded that the employer pay US$3,000 to each affected worker.
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When the employer refused, the duo reportedly threatened to escalate the matter to the National Employment Council, warning of potential penalties amounting to US$497,369.
The alleged extortion attempt escalated on November 11, when the accused sent WhatsApp messages demanding US$1,200 each to settle the matter privately. Growing suspicious, the complainant reported the matter to the police and set a trap.
Kwriwiri and Maramwidze were arrested on November 14 at Green Fields Complex in Belvedere after accepting US$1,500 from the complainant.
The full amount was recovered at the scene.
The case remains under investigation, and the accused are expected to return to court for further proceedings.
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