Police officer arrested after declaring himself ZRP boss

 

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

A police officer who went rogue and declared himself the new boss of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been arrested, authorities confirmed on Thursday. Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza was the subject of a nationwide manhunt after allegedly disappearing from Police General Headquarters (PGHQ) in Harare on August 13 with a Ford Ranger bearing police colors.

 An internal police memo had ordered stations in Mashonaland Central to mount roadblocks to intercept the vehicle, which was believed to be in the province. But within hours, videos emerged on social media showing Mandizvidza in uniform, claiming to have taken over the leadership of the ZRP and giving Chinese nationals "48 hours" to leave the country.

 In one video, he stated, “Regrettably our relationship with the Zimbabwean public has not always been ideal. For any harm or mistrust caused during the execution of our duties I wish to offer our sincere apology. As of today, the ZRP are committed to serving the people… In line with recent developments, I am announcing that I will be taking charge of ZRP with immediate effect with a focus to empowering young officers to lead and drive positive change within the organisation and country at large.”

 Mandizvidza, who also identified himself as "Sibling," said he worked as the Member in Charge Senior Officers Desk at PGHQ. Police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the officer’s conduct bordered on treason and warned the public not to be misled by his messages.

 Mandizvidza was taken into custody on Thursday in Harare under circumstances that were not immediately disclosed. The ZRP says it is continuing investigations into the alleged theft of the police vehicle and the "treasonous utterances." He is expected to face multiple charges.

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