The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has advised members of the public to ask for identification from police officers upon arrest to avoid falling victim to imposters.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said when in doubt, people must demand to be taken to the nearest police station or verify with stations’ command.
This comes after a 27-year-old fake police officer “arrested” a 29-year-old man in Bulawayo on Saturday last week and demanded US$1 from his victim.
However, the imposter was apprehended by a mob and handed over to the police. Asst Comm Nyathi said in a statement:
In a case of Impersonation which occurred in Bulawayo on the 23/01/21 at around 1530 hrs, a man (27) approached a victim (29) at corner Fort Street and 10th Avenue.
The suspect identified himself as a policeman and demanded USD $1.00 from him before he was arrested by a mob and handed to the Police.
Members of the public must ask for identification from anyone claiming to be a police officer to avoid being duped.
Members of the public must demand to be taken to the nearest police station or verify with stations’ command, if in doubt.