Man in court for extortion, Sergeant on the run

Michael Mashiri

A man who was caught by the police receiving money from the complainant has been taken to court on extortion allegations.

Frank Munyaradzi Macheka, 43, of Chegutu, appeared before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts charged with extortion.

He will appear in court on February 15, for bail application.

The complainant in this matter is Kudakwashe Gwini, 24, of Gletwin, Chishawasha, Hills, Harare.

The State alleges that on January 1, Gwini was involved in an accident and the car was impounded at ZRP Chegutu.

Gwini allegedly made checks with panel beaters who insisted that they need the car for a proper quotation to be done.

He went to ZRP Chegutu where he was allowed to take pictures of the cars.

Sergeant Mukunyadze allegedly gave Macheka number to Gwini to assist in towing the vehicle to Harare Panel Beaters and was engaged.

On February 8, Macheka together with his accomplice, Sergeant Chirozva, who is still at large, decided to extort Gwini.

Macheka told Gwini that he was failing to tow the car because there was need for the car to be inspected by VID Kadoma officers and gave him Sergeant Chirozva’s contact.

Gwini allegedly contacted Sergeant Chirozva, who referred him to a Vehicle Inspection Department Kadoma officer called Ndongwe, who was contacted and refused to have business on the phone and was referred back to Sergeant Chirozva.

Sergeant Chirozva demanded an inspection fee, of which Gwini said he had US$20, which was turned down.

Macheka continued exerting pressure on Gwini and demanded US$100 for the inspection.

Gwini pleaded for downward review of the amount but nothing materialised prompting him to report the matter to ZRP Anti- Corruption Unit, Northern Region.

A trap was set on February 8, leading to Macheka's arrest.