Man in soup for impersonaing a police officer

Michael Mashiri

A Southlea Park man, who allegedly lied to be a police officer in order to extort money from an accused person, has been arraigned before the court.

Gabriel Chirunga, 36, of Southlea Park, appeared before magistrate Simon Kandiyero charged with impersonating a police officer and extortion.

The complainant is Robson Murwira, 48, of Domboshava.

The State, through prosecutor Faith Mavhudzi, alleges that on January 14, 2023, at around 1000 hours, Murwira was detained at Harare Central Police Station cells for fraud.

Chirunga then visited Murwira at Harare Central Police cells and identified himself to him as a police officer.

He told Murwira that he was handling the matter that landed him in police cells.

It is alleged that Chirunga went on to exert pressure on Murwira to give him US$50 so that he could facilitate his release from the police cells.

Murwira then told him he had no money in person but could arrange with his wife to bring it.

He arranged with Chirunga to meet his wife Rufaro Dandira.

Chirunga contacted Dandira intending to collect US$50 but eventually collected US$20.

It is alleged that Chirunga was arrested when he failed to produce his identity card to show that he was a police officer to one constable Murembwi James, who was investigating Murwira’s case.

Chirunga will appear in court today for bail application.