HARARE – Two men from Chitungwiza, identified as Tendai Chiraya (43) and Onisimo Maruke (50), have been brought before the Harare magistrate, Mrs Fadzai Mthombeni, on charges of robbery after impersonating law enforcement officers.
The accused individuals were remanded in custody pending a bail application.
According to the State’s allegations, on February 22, at approximately 12:00 pm, at the intersection of Corner Herbert Chitepo Avenue and Fife Avenue, the complainant was approached by Chiraya and Maruke, who falsely portrayed themselves as law enforcement agents from the National Anti-Corruption of Zimbabwe. They threatened to arrest the complainant, accusing him of possessing a large sum of money.
Chiraya and Maruke then went on to intimidate the complainant with claims that they would hand the money over to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. Sensing an opportunity to negotiate, the complainant offered Chiraya a bribe of US$150.
However, armed with an okapi knife, Maruke demanded more money and threatened the complainant with bodily harm if any resistance was shown. Eventually, Maruke forcibly took away US$10,000 from the complainant, which was in US$20 notes, and handed it over to Chiraya, who was waiting outside the complainant’s vehicle.
Following the incident, Chiraya left the scene, but one of the accused inadvertently left his watch inside the complainant’s vehicle.
On March 8, detectives from the CID Homicide Harare received information indicating that the accused individuals were residing in Chitungwiza. Acting on the tip-off, the detectives successfully apprehended Chiraya, who then assisted in the arrest of Maruke.
The stolen amount totals US$10,150, and unfortunately, none of the money has been recovered at this time.
Prosecutor Mr Ephraim Zinyandu presented the case on behalf of the State. The accused individuals will remain in custody until their bail application is heard.
