Fake ZACC officials threaten to arrest man for pos...

Fake ZACC officials threaten to arrest man for possessing large sum of money

Michael Mashiri

Two men who masqueraded as Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officials, threatening to arrest the complainant for possessing large sums of money, have been taken to court accused of stealing the complainant’s US$10 150.

Tendayi Chiraya, 43, of Seke, Chitungwiza and Onisimo Maruke, 50, of Seke Rural, Ziko, appeared before magistrate Evelyn Mashavakure at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts charged with robbery.

They will appear in court on Monday for bail application.

The State, through prosecutor, Mandirasa Chugumira, alleges that on February 22, at around 1200 hours, the complainant, Bhebhe Katunga, was approached by the accused persons who claimed to be law enforcement agents from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and threatened to arrest him for possessing large sums of money.

The two also threatened to hand over the money to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

Katunga allegedly negotiated with the two and he gave Chiraya a bribe of U$150.

Maruke, who was armed with an okapi knife demanded more money, he threatened to stab Katunga if he resisted and took US$10 000 which was in US$20 notes.

He allegedly gave the money to the other accused who was outside Katunga’s car.

They went away. One of the accused left his watch in Bhebhe's car.

On March 8, police were informed that the accused persons were from Chitungwiza and were at their places of residence.

They managed to arrest Chiraya who led to the arrest of Maruke.

As a result US$10 150 was stolen and nothing was recovered.