Fake Detective Nabbed for Extortion

Munyaradzi Mashiri- Court Correspondent

A 29-year-old man from Budiriro 1 has been arrested for allegedly masquerading as a police detective and extorting money from a suspect in a car parts theft case.

Shepherd Maraire appeared at the Harare Magistrates' Courts facing charges of impersonating a police officer. He is set to appear in court on May 20.

The complainant in the case is Luke Abel Manuwele.

According to the State, in September 2024, Maraire and his accomplice—only identified as Patel Matombe, who is still at large—allegedly posed as detectives from ZRP Hatfield. They claimed to be investigating a theft of car parts at Jeep Drift Motors Garage in Hatfield, in which Manuwele was allegedly a suspect.

The pair reportedly "arrested" Manuwele at his home and, while driving along Chiremba Road en route to the garage, demanded US$250 from him in exchange for his release and to drop the case.

Manuwele reportedly handed over US$90, after which the fake detectives let him go.

A week later, the two returned, demanding US$1,000 as compensation for the stolen car parts, along with an additional US$160.

On May 13, Matombe allegedly phoned the complainant demanding the outstanding US$160 and the US$1,000. He then instructed Maraire to collect the money on his behalf.

The complainant reported the matter to the police, leading to Maraire's arrest through a trap.