HARARE – Tafadzwa Chidawa (35), famously known as Detective Kedha on social media for his viral videos targeting and “apprehending” thieves in the Harare CBD, has appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Fadzai Mthombeni.
Chidawa stands accused of impersonating a police officer and assault.
During the court proceedings, Chidawa was granted bail of $100 and is scheduled to return to court on March 27.
State prosecutor Mr Ephraim Zinyandu presented the case, stating that on March 5, Chidawa, along with five other individuals who are currently at large, contacted the first complainant, Sallom Gandiya, pretending to be a cousin of her boyfriend.
They arranged to meet Gandiya at the Caledon shops along Seke Road, and she hired a taxi driven by the second complainant, Watson Gatsi, to take her there.
Upon their arrival at the Caledon Shops, Chidawa and his accomplices approached the complainants, introducing themselves as police detectives from Harare Central Police Station.
They falsely claimed that Gandiya was being arrested, accusing her of lying to her boyfriend about being pregnant.
The fake police officers proceeded to handcuff Gandiya. Despite her refusal to enter their vehicle, the accused individuals assaulted her with a button stick and forcibly pushed her into their Toyota Prado.
Gandiya and Gatsi reported the incident to the police, leading to Chidawa’s subsequent arrest.
In a separate case from January, Chidawa had previously appeared in court for allegedly stealing a vehicle worth US$12,000 from South Africa and smuggling it into Zimbabwe. The matter is still pending, and Chidawa also faces two other pending fraud cases.
Detective Kedha gained popularity on social media for his videos showcasing actions resembling those of a police officer targeting suspected thieves.
However, in this recent court appearance, he faces serious charges of impersonation and assault.
The court proceedings will resume on March 27 as Chidawa awaits further legal proceedings related to the charges brought against him.
