ELEVEN constables from different police stations, were last
week arrested in Borrowdale while trying to extort money from a businessman
they accused of illegally dealing in foreign currency and gold.
One of the 11 was on suspension for misconduct, but had
just been roped in to execute the plan. The gang reportedly stormed the
premises of Mr Vaya Sanjay Keshavji (48) in Borrowdale on Thursday afternoon,
while driving in two unregistered vehicles.
The 11 are: Tafadzwa Chidawa (31) who is currently on
suspension, Prosper Chimbumu (28), John Gwinyai Matandaware (34), Thomas Nyika
(35), Archby Mano (26), Daniel Mwanadi (31), Simbarashe Ndungwa (31), Doit
Kunyumbe (33), Levison Nhongo (34), Walter Mapfumo (30) and Francis Kudzai
Munatswa (25).
Three of them were wearing riot police uniform while eight
were in plain clothes. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul
Nyathi said he was still checking the details of the case.
Sources close to the investigations yesterday said on
Thursday at around 1400 hours, the 11 teamed up and went the premises while
driving in two unregistered vehicles, a Black Nissan Caravan and a cream Nissan
Sunny.
They reportedly introduced themselves as officers from
Harare Central operations section.
They allegedly indicated to him that they had received
information that he was illegally dealing in gold and foreign currency before
demanding to see documentation authorising him to operate.
It is alleged that the businessman became suspicious and
told the suspects to remain at the reception before he went into his office
where he alerted the police.
A reaction team comprising of a strong team from the
Criminal Investigations Department and Support Unit then swooped in where they
arrested the 11.
The 11 policeman contended that they had received
information from Chidawa that there was a person who was dealing in ivory in
the CBD. They then reacted to the information using Chidawa’s vehicle and made
a follow up to the businessman’s premises.
According to police, the 11 further alleged that they
demanded to carry out a search within the businessman’s premises, but they were
prevented from doing so.
The matter is being investigated under case number RRB
4105407.
Police investigations established that there was no special
operation of that nature and that the team had not been assigned to investigate
the case. It was also established that the businessman had all the relevant
papers needed to trade in gold.
The 11 are likely to be charged with extortion and face
disciplinary action for the conduct.
Chidawa was stationed at ZRP Highlands, Chimbumu (ZRP
Harare Central Operations), Matandaware (ZRP Harare Central Patrol Unit), Nyika
(ZRP Harare Magistrates’ Court), Mano (ZRP Harare Central Operations), Mwanadi
(ZRP Warren Park attached, but Harare Central Operations), Ndungwa (ZRP Harare
Central Operations), Kunyumbe (ZRP Harare Central Pec Admin, but on
suspension), Nhongo (ZRP Harare CBD Traffic), Mapfumo (ZRP Harare Central
Operations) and Munatswa (ZRP Harare Central Patrol Unit).
Investigations are still in progress. Herald
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