Assistant Inspector’s Bail Hearing Postponed

Zim Now Writer

A senior police officer who sparked shockwaves after allegedly declaring himself the new Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police will remain behind bars a little longer, after his bail application was pushed back to Wednesday.

Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza ,35, was supposed to appear before provincial magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe on Monday.

However, his lawyer, Kumbirai Chivhuna, requested more time to consult with his client, prompting the court to defer the hearing.

Mandizvidza is facing three charges: causing disaffection among the security services, fraudulently acquiring the use of a police vehicle, and transmitting false data intended to cause harm.

According to the State, Mandizvidza recorded a video on 13 August from his ZRP Hatfield Police Camp residence, using a Canon 250D camera. In the clip, which was later uploaded to a YouTube channel called Gondo Harishaye, he allegedly declared himself the new Commissioner-General of Police.

He reportedly went one's gonna to announce the suspension of all traffic operations and ordered Chinese nationals to leave Zimbabwe within 48 hours.

Prosecutors argue that the video was designed to stir unrest within the police force, incite fear among foreign nationals, and potentially damage Zimbabwe’s economy.

That same day, the officer is said to have approached Chief Inspector Fidios Chiteure at Police General Headquarters, claiming he had been instructed by a senior officer named Commissioner Makomo to use a police Ford Ranger.

Believing the request to be legitimate, Chiteure released the vehicle, which Mandizvidza allegedly drove to his rural home in Waerera Village, Bindura. The car was later recovered.

Just days later, prosecutors say Mandizvidza struck again, releasing another video on the same YouTube platform, once more claiming to be the head of the ZRP.

His declaration directly challenged the authority of the officially recognised Commissioner-General, Stephen Mutamba.

The court will decide on Wednesday whether the officer will be granted bail as the case continues to unfold.