9 dirty cops arrested after armed standoff with SA...

9 dirty cops arrested after armed standoff with SARACO operatives

ZimNow Reporter

A dramatic confrontation unfolded in Mutare last week as Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Organization (SARACO) operatives stared down armed police officers during a corruption bust, exposing both the brazen defiance of rogue law enforcement and SARACO’s resolve where Zimbabwe’s own anti-graft body, has repeatedly stalled.

“We are committed to reaching every corner of the country to root out corrupt practices,” said SARACO Regional Liaison Officer Chitumwa as he confirmed the arrests.

On April 8, 2025, SARACO’s elite unit moved to dismantle an illegal roadblock notorious for extorting motorists—a hotspot the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission had failed to rein in for months.

As SARACO operatives began arresting nine officers caught red-handed soliciting bribes, tensions erupted. Armed traffic police and Support Unit members reportedly drew weapons, threatening to derail the operation.

The potentially violent faceoff ended with SARACO’s team prevailing despite the intimidation tactics.

The operatives’ unflinching response led to the arrest of all suspects, including Traffic Division officers, CID members, and even Police Intelligence personnel—all accused of colluding to exploit civilians.

The arrested officers, now detained pending trial, face criminal charges and internal disciplinary action.

The clash underscores SARACO’s rising reputation as a fearless enforcer in a landscape where ZACC has faced mounting criticism for inaction. While ZACC struggled to curb the Mutare roadblock’s brazen operations, SARACO’s targeted intervention showcased its tactical rigor and independence.

As SARACO expands its operations nationwide, the Mutare showdown signals a new era in Zimbabwe’s anti-graft fight—after the public loss of confidence in ZACC.