A 38-year-old Zimbabwe Republic Police officer has appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing extortion charges linked to an alleged abuse of authority.
Tafadzwa Takawira, who was stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department Chivhu at the time of the alleged offence, is accused of using his position to unlawfully solicit money from a suspect.
According to the State, the complainant, Bongani Mhlanga, was arrested in January 2023 by Takawira and an accomplice, who is also on remand, on suspicion of stealing from OK Mart Chivhu.
Related Stories
Mhlanga alleges that he was taken to CID Chivhu, where he was assaulted using a shovel, a metal hoe handle and a rubber stick before being detained at ZRP Chivhu.
Court papers state that the following day, Takawira and his accomplice allegedly apologised for the assault, attributing it to intoxication, and demanded US$300 from Mhlanga and a co-suspect, Witness Choto, in exchange for not pursuing criminal charges.
The complainant’s relatives reportedly raised the money, which was handed to Takawira’s accomplice, after which Mhlanga was released from custody.
The alleged extortion has triggered public concern, with the US$300 reportedly not recovered. The matter remains before the courts.
Leave Comments