A 34-year-old Kuwadzana man has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison after posing as a police officer and government official to carry out robberies and kidnappings in Chegutu.
The man, from Kuwadzana 6 in Harare, was convicted of robbery, kidnapping, impersonating public officials and unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
The incidents occurred on January 26, 2026, when he and accomplices who remain at large allegedly used a white Toyota Hilux to target victims in Chegutu.
According to evidence presented in court, the group posed as police officers and officials from the City of Harare and the Ministry of Defence using fake identity cards.
In one incident, they allegedly assaulted a man at his home, handcuffed him, stole US$1,500 and forced him into their vehicle. The victim later managed to escape and reported the matter to police.
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In another incident, the group kidnapped a second victim and transported him through several locations before releasing him along the Harare-Bulawayo Road after receiving a US$2,000 ransom from his family.
The suspect's luck ran out when police intercepted the Toyota Hilux at a roadblock near the 39-kilometre peg in Norton. His accomplices fled, but he was arrested.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of fake identity cards purportedly belonging to the City of Harare, War Veterans and the Ministry of Defence. Police also recovered vehicle clamps, handcuffs and a button stick.
The court handed down sentences on all counts, resulting in an effective prison term of seven years and six months.
Recovered cash amounting to US$1,155 will be shared equally between the two victims as restitution.
The vehicle clamps will be returned to the City of Harare, while the handcuffs will be handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The fake identity cards and dagga were forfeited to the State for destruction.
Investigations into the suspect's accomplices are continuing.
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