A 47-year-old man from Budiriro, Harare, has been arrested for impersonating a detective in a scheme to defraud a family featured on Tilder Moyo’s Star FM program, “Tilder Live Show: Zvinoyera nezvinotyisa nezvinoda kufumurwa,” which aired on December 17, 2024.
According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the suspect, Shepherd Mangoma, faces charges of impersonation and extortion following his arrest.
The incident began when family members of the late Darlington Tendai Mapiki appeared on Moyo’s show to contest post-mortem results that indicated he had committed suicide. They expressed their belief that foul play was involved.
Mangoma allegedly approached the family, falsely presenting himself as a police officer. He requested US$500, promising to provide information about Darlington Tendai’s death and to facilitate the arrest of individuals linked to the suspected “murder.” Reads the statement from the ZRP:
<blockquote>
Reference is made to Tilder Moyo’s Star FM programme titled “Tilder Live Show, Zvinoyera nezvinotyisa nezvinoda kufumurwa,” held on 17th December 2024.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of a bogus police officer, Shepherd Mangoma (47) of Budiriro, Harare for impersonation and extortion.
The arrest of the suspect follows the appearance of the late Darlington Tendai Mapiki’s family members on the Star FM programme, “Tilder Live Show, Zvinoyera nezvinotyisa nezvinoda kufumurwa,” where they raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the death of Darlington Tendai Mapiki on 27th October 2024 in Rugare.
The family disputed the post-mortem results, which indicated that Mapiki had committed suicide and suspected foul play instead.
The family members claimed that on 09th December 2024, they were approached by the suspect who posed as a detective stationed at CID Homicide, Harare.
The suspect allegedly claimed to have information concerning the death of Darlington Tendai Mapiki and demanded USD 500.00 from the family members to facilitate the arrest of the suspects linked to Darlington Tendai Mapiki’s death.
He alleged that the pathologist was bribed to manipulate the post-mortem results and that five people who include a businessman and traditional healer, were involved in Darlington Tendai Mapiki’s murder for ritual purposes.
On 18th December 2024, the family reported the matter at the CID Police Anti-Corruption unit, Harare leading to a trap being set.
The suspect was arrested at Rainbow Towers Hotel, Harare after being handed USD 200.00 by the family.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores the public to be vigilant and report individuals who approach them claiming to be police officers on the streets, shopping centres or other places outside police establishments, demanding cash or personal information as part of Police inquiries.
The public should report such individuals on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

A man pretended to be a detective and tried to trick a family who were on a talk show into giving him money. The family was talking about the suspicious death of their relative on the radio. The fake detective said he had information about the death and wanted money to help them. But the family got suspicious and reported him to the real police. He was caught when they gave him some money to trick him. The real police warn people to be careful and report anyone pretending to be a cop and asking for money.

Bogus Cop Arrested For Extorting Bereaved Family Featured On Tilder Moyo's Star FM Programme

Two Presidential Guard and three Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) officers are facing allegations of extorting US$2,000 from a Chinese miner, Enjie Zhang, at the Murodzi mining claim in Mazowe.
As reported by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/cio-presidential-guard-officers-up-for-us2000-blackmail-against-chinese-miner/">ZimLive</a>, the suspects, identified as Chamunorwa Victor Chinorwiwa (32), Hilary Maravanyika (28), Tawanda Ngoshi (39), Samuel Zvishamiso Simbabure, and Respect Zuva, allegedly posed as members of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) who were on duty.
The five, also facing robbery charges, were scheduled to be back in court on Tuesday for a ruling on their application challenging placement on remand.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, on October 19, 2024, around midday, the group connived and proceeded to the Murodzi mining claim in Mazowe.
They allegedly ordered the miner Enjie Zhang and his 25 workers to gather and sit down in one place. Said the NPA in an outline of the charges:
<blockquote>
Accused person one (Simbabure) and his accomplices ordered the complainant and the gathered mine workers to remain still as he would proceed to shoot them if they attempted to flee whilst showing a pistol which was placed on his waist.
The accused persons ordered the complainant and his fellow Chinese nationals who were present, Jinliang Xue, Hang Hainglin and Shan Dong Zhou to produce their identity documents, mining certificates and work permits.
Complainant and his Chinese counterparts produced their identity documents but failed to produce the mining certificates and work permits which they stated were in the custody of the company general manager, one identified as Hu, who was in Harare.
The accused persons accused the complainant and his fellow workers of conducting illegal mining operations in the area and demanded US$2,000 cash from the Chinese nationals so that they could release them.
They ordered the complainant to contact Hu so that she could bring the needed bribe money and the complainant complied.
</blockquote>
The court heard that Simbabure communicated with Hu using the complainant’s phone to arrange for the bribe money to be delivered to Ngoshi.
Hu then contacted informant Godfrey Zambuko, who works for Holdenfield Investments in Harare, instructing him to go to Zimbabwe House and hand over the US$2,000 bribe to Ngoshi. Said the NPA:
<blockquote>
Informant indeed proceeded to Zimbabwe House where he gave the US$2,000 bribe money to Ngoshi who is currently at large.
</blockquote>
According to court papers, one Chinese national, Hang Hainglin, escaped from the mining site and went to a nearby mine also owned by Holdenfields Investments.
There, he was given US$1,000 by another Chinese national to deliver to the accused persons in exchange for their freedom. Said the prosecution:
<blockquote>
Kelvinator Don Paricha, employed as a Chinese company interpreter, went to the accused persons and gave them US$800 which resulted in the release of the complainant and the other mine workers. The accused persons then drove off in their getaway motor vehicle.
</blockquote>
On October 21, 2024, Simbabure called Godfrey Zambuko from his mobile phone, inviting him to Zimbabwe House to discuss the need for an additional bribe payment. Said the NPA:
<blockquote>
On October 22, 2024, the informant then advised the President’s Department about the issue and the two went to Zimbabwe House where they met accused one and two leading to their arrest.
Upon arrest the two accused persons implicated four accomplices who are still at large.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Five men, including two Presidential Guard members and three CIO officers, are accused of extorting money from a Chinese miner. They pretended to be police and threatened the miner and his workers with violence if they didn't pay $2,000. The miner's associate paid some money to free them. The suspects were caught after trying to get more money. They are in court, and four other people are still on the run. The suspects face serious charges of robbery and extortion. The Chinese miner was scared and had to give money to be safe.

Presidential Guard, CIO Officers Accused Of Extorting Chinese Miner

Audio recordings have exposed malicious allegations made by a former Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) official against a prominent local lawyer, revealing the exact exchange of words that occurred on the alleged day.
Former ZACC commissioner Farai Mashonganyika had told the court that lawyer Munyaradzi Bwanya had extorted her by asking her to cede 2000 m² of land to him in exchange for withdrawing all court cases against her.
Mashonganyika’s title deeds were cancelled by the Minister of Local Government after she failed to meet the intrinsic value of the land.
Bwanya, who represents Arosume Property Development, had filed a complaint with the Minister of Local Government after Mashonganyika refused to pay the development costs of the land, resulting in the cancellation of her title deeds.
Bwanya is also facing other charges of perjury and forgery.
While cross-examining Mashonganyika after the audio recording was played, Bwanya asked her to indicate where he asked her to cede 2000 m² in exchange for withdrawing court proceedings.
Mashonganyika admitted that there was no such request in the audio but suggested the recording might have been tampered with.
When asked to identify where Bwanya mentioned anything about withdrawing court cases, she claimed he had discussed it when he visited her home, though there was no mention of it in the audio.
Mashonganyika is a cousin of former First Lady Grace Mugabe.
Last week, Mashonganyika told the court that Bwanya had pressured her to cede 2000 m² of land in exchange for dropping court proceedings.
She claimed she had paid the required development fees amounting to US$10,000 to the land developer, Arosume Property Development, and US$4,000 for the land’s intrinsic value to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, which granted her title deed number 5690/2011.
Bwanya is also accused of lying under oath and forging documents to support his claims.
In her testimony last week, Mashonganyika insisted that she was unaware of the cancellation of her property title deeds, claiming the ministry had informed her that the cancellation letter was fraudulent.
However, during cross-examination, Mashonganyika was made to read several documents that supported Bwanya’s defence, leaving her speechless.
Mashonganyika had accused Bwanya of cancelling her title deeds, but Bwanya produced a series of events initiated by the Ministry of Local Government that led to their cancellation. Mashonganyika maintained that she was unaware of the cancellation process.
Bwanya produced a letter written to Mashonganyika by then-local government minister July Moyo, advising her of the ministry’s intention to cancel her title deeds, which she admitted receiving in April 2022.
The lawyer also presented General Notice 2402 and three The Herald newspaper clippings with public notices regarding the intended cancellation of title deeds for 14 individuals, including Mashonganyika, for failing to pay the land’s intrinsic value.
Additionally, a government gazette notice of the cancellation of Mashonganyika’s title deeds was submitted.
Bwanya then asked Mashonganyika to explain why she had told the court she had no knowledge of the investigation into her property and the notices regarding the intended cancellation.
She insisted that Bwanya was responsible for cancelling her title deeds.
Bwanya produced letters from the Police Commercial Crimes Division, which investigated the case, and had Mashonganyika read them aloud in court.
The letter indicated that the Ministry of Local Government and the Registrar had procedurally cancelled the title deeds.
Mashonganyika was questioned about an affidavit she claimed Bwanya had submitted to the High Court with false information.
However, when the witness read the affidavit, the court found that it had been submitted by one Calvin Mpofu.
Bwanya also produced letters from ministers Moyo and Winston Chitando regarding the cancellation of the title deeds.
Mashonganyika questioned why Bwanya had other court documents that she did not possess, to which Bwanya responded that they were public records.
Magistrate Ethel Chichera intervened, saying Bwanya had the right to have the documents to prove his innocence. She said:
<blockquote>
Witness, it was you who accused him of being a liar, so he has the right to obtain documents to exonerate himself.
</blockquote>
The magistrate then postponed the trial to September 16.
Bwanya denies all the allegations, calling them malicious and motivated by Mashonganyika’s desire to abuse state machinery.
He emphasized that he never pretended to be a conveyancer, as he is a fully registered conveyancer, and acted on behalf of Arosume Property Development Private Limited, providing letters to support his actions.
Regarding the forgery accusations, Bwanya argues that the complainant is lying and has not provided any evidence of a forged document.
He claims he never misrepresented facts to the High Court and that the papers filed in court belong to the litigants, not the legal practitioners.
Bwanya also denies the extortion charges, asserting that his arrest and prosecution were driven by the complainant’s attempt to avoid the consequences of unlawfully occupying state land.
He maintains that he only spoke to the complainant on the phone for 7 minutes and 36 seconds, with no discussion of her land or any litigation, and that the recorded audio of the conversation proves his claim.
The Ministry cancelled Mashonganyika’s title deeds after Arosume Property Development reported her to the Ministry for fraud, stating that the land was purchased below market value.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former ZACC official accused lawyer of extorting land from her in exchange for dropping court cases. Lawyer denies allegations, says complainant is lying. Ministry cancelled title deeds after fraud report. Court case ongoing, lawyer provided evidence to defend himself. Magistrate postponed trial to September 16. Lawyer denies forgery and perjury charges. Complainant claims innocence. Both parties presenting evidence in court. Lawyer says audio recording proves innocence. News article reveals details of ongoing legal battle between the two parties.

Audio Recording Exposes Ex-ZACC Commissioner's "Malicious" Allegations Against Lawyer

A five-man gang of armed extortionists, who allegedly posed as military intelligence and police officers, is accused of extorting mining companies in the Matabeleland region while invoking the name of the First Family.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200031845/eds-son-is-our-boss-armed-robbers">NewsDay</a>, three of the suspects—Munyaradzi Charakupa, Victor Jaja, and Tawanda Mangi—appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Evelyn Madzikatire on Tuesday. They face charges of impersonating public officials, attempted extortion, and extortion.
The suspects, who are being represented by Bryan Sengweni, were remanded in custody to Thursday.
Superintendent Edmore Runganga, the investigating officer, opposed their bail, arguing that they were a flight risk since their accomplices remained at large.
The suspects were exposed after they targeted some mines in which prominent Bulawayo lawyer Dumisani Dube is an interested party.
It is alleged that the suspects resorted to extorting money from the complainants to challenge a corporate rescue certificate that was held by Dube.
Runganga argued that if they were granted bail, they would interfere with witnesses since the racket seemed to be involving police officers and government officials.
The gang was apprehended after Dube sought assistance from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, Sean, and the Attorney-General’s Office, following persistent extortion attempts targeting mining firms associated with Dube.
In his statement, Dube said Sean disowned the gang and he told him to report it.
It is alleged that in February 2024, Jaja visited Dube’s office, falsely presenting himself as the former Officer-in-Charge of Beitbridge police now assigned to the President’s Office as part of the Police Protection Unit.
Jaja purportedly claimed he was on Sean’s security team, with Mangi as his superior.
Jaja and Mangi were allegedly accompanied by Charakupa and Pemba, who falsely identified themselves as military intelligence members assigned to protect the late War Veterans permanent secretary Clive Mphambela’s interests in Matabeleland.
Prosecutors also alleged that the suspects possessed a file containing special grant applications for Matabeleland South, including those of three of Dube’s mining clients.
They reportedly threatened to cancel these applications unless a protection fee of US$300,000 was paid to Sean, their purported boss.
Dube, in a statement signed at the CID Law and Order section, confirmed his refusal to pay the extortion fee. He said:
<blockquote>
A month later, on April 24, 2024, I was appointed corporate rescue practitioner of Fools Investment (Pvt) Ltd by the Master of High Court under CRPB 1/24.
The accused subsequently came to my office claiming to be directors of Fools Investment and demanded US$ 200,000 each. Jaja showed me an official card from the Office of the President as his identification.
</blockquote>
On the third count, the court heard that they attempted to extort Dube’s client of US$ 800,000.
The prosecution alleges that in the fourth count, the accused and their accomplices, who remain at large, on July 23, 2024, threatened to kill Dube unless he complied with their demands.
Following these threats, Dube was coerced into surrendering US$40,000 to Mangi.
In the fifth count, the four individuals allegedly compelled Dube to cover their accommodation expenses for three months during their purported special operation.
Under duress, Dube paid them US$4,000 and US$1,800 in the presence of Pemba and Daka after they threatened his life.
In total, they extorted US$55,300 from Dube on several occasions. A report was subsequently made to the police, leading to the arrest of the three suspects.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A group of bad guys pretended to be military and police officers to extort money from mining companies in Matabeleland. They used the name of the President's son to scare people. The gang demanded a lot of money from the companies. They were caught after one of the companies asked for help from the President's son and the Attorney-General. The gang also tried to force a lawyer to pay them money. They threatened the lawyer many times until he gave them over $55,000. Finally, the police caught three of the gang members.

"Mnangagwa's Son Is Our Boss," Bogus Military Intelligence Officers Arrested After Extortion Spree Targeting Mines

A 52-year-old teacher from Chitungwiza was held captive for five days and extorted of more than $5,000 after being lured into the bedroom of his 15-year-old female student.
According to the charges, the student’s mother, 40-year-old Rumbidzai Tauro, is accused of being the mastermind behind the kidnapping.
Tauro has now been arraigned before Chitungwiza resident magistrate Sheunesu Matova.
As reported by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/girl-15-lures-teacher-into-kidnap-ordeal/">The Herald</a>, the trial is ongoing and the State has so far led three witnesses.
Prosecuting, Bart Malunga alleged that on 30 November 2023, at around 5 PM, Gerald Madamombe (52) was lured by the minor to visit her at home.
It is further alleged that upon arrival, Madamombe was taken to Tauro’s bedroom where he sat on the bed and within a few minutes he heard a knock on the door.
The minor told him that her mother was back and he had to hide in the en-suite bathroom.
When Tauro entered her house, she found Madamombe hiding and accused him of having an affair with her daughter.
Tauro allegedly locked Madamombe in the house and called Tinotenda Migiyi, who has already appeared before the court, and two others, who are still at large to come to her house.
When Migiyi and his accomplices arrived, they assaulted Madamombe with different types of weapons all over the body.
They also ordered him to remove everything in his pockets and his clothes and he complied.
The court heard that the gang then demanded US$400 from the teacher to stop the assault, but he only offered them US$100 which they rejected.
Madamombe then called his friend Brighton Gazimbi for assistance with cash and agreed to meet at Makoni Shopping Centre around midnight.
However, just before the agreed time, when Gazimbi told them he was on his way, Tauro told him that their car had developed a problem and they could not make it to the rendezvous.
The next day, at around 8 AM, Tauro phoned Gazimbi and they met at Makoni shops near Speciss college where she was given US$210 for the release of Madamombe.
But Tauro demanded more cash, and Madamombe told them that he was only left with money in his account and that they were in possession of the bank card.
It is alleged that the gang demanded the PIN and then went to Makoni Shopping Centre to withdraw the money.
When they returned from the shopping centre, the gang started assaulting Madamombe with a hose pipe and tied both his hands and legs accusing him of giving them a blocked ATM card.
On 5 December 2023 at around 11 AM, detectives from CID Chitungwiza received a tip-off that Madamombe, who was reported missing, had been kidnapped by the gang and was at their residence.
When detectives arrived at the house they rescued Madamombe who was in the bedroom with hands tied up with a piece of cloth. He was taken to a hospital for medical examination.
Prosecutors allege the total value extorted is US$5 184 and only US$243 was recovered.
Some of the groceries, tiles, adhesives and paint bought by the accused using his card are held at the police station as proceeds of crime.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chitungwiza Teacher Abducted, Extorted Over US$5,000 By Student And Her Mother

Six (6) men who allegedly extorted members of the public while masquerading as officers from CID drugs and narcotics have been arrested, reported <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/bogus-detective-syndicate-busted/">H-Metro</a>.
The gang allegedly targeted people whom they accused of being drug dealers, before extorting money from them.
The six suspects, Lloyd Rayeni Zvoma, Clemence Manyika, Slevester Chaire, Simbarashe Chiyangwa, Sydney Chikozho and Felix Tagonera appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo over the weekend.
They were remanded in custody to 23 January when they will file their bail bid.
Allegations are that on 18 January, the gang assembled and boarded a BMW and approached their target, Tafadzwa Lovemore Mudzekenyedze of Kuwadzana, Harare.
They introduced themselves to him as detectives from CID Drugs and officers from the President’s Office.
The court heard that Zvoma produced a ZRP identity card bearing the name Constable Masaraure while Chaire produced a forged President’s Office identity card bearing Tendai Marakasa’s details.
The gang accused Mudzekenyedze of being a major supplier of drugs and advised him that he was under arrest.
They manhandled him and shoved him into his car which they drove towards Harare CBD.
The gang allegedly parked near Harare showgrounds and demanded US$1 000 from him for his freedom.
While the gang was holding Mudzekenyedze, genuine officers from CID drugs, received a tip-off about the incident.
They tracked down the gang members and arrested them.
The police recovered the identity cards, a pair of handcuffs, three GPS tracking devices and a pepper spray can from the gang.
The police also recovered two sachets of crystal meth from the gang.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Gang Of Six Bogus Detectives Busted

Former Dynamos coach Herbert Maruwa has reportedly been charged with extortion and incompetence.
He also faces charges of gross misconduct and bringing the name of the club into disrepute.
<a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/maruwa-faces-exortion-charges/">H-Metro</a> reported that Maruwa will answer the charges at a hearing next week.
DeMbare team manager Richard Chihoro and assistant coach Murape Murape have also been summoned for a disciplinary hearing that will be conducted next week.
The report says Chihoro is being charged with gross insubordination, extortion, gross incompetence, and bringing the club and its stakeholders into disrepute.
Murape is reportedly being charged with gross insubordination, disruptive and disorderly conduct, violent and disorderly conduct and allegedly taking substances before and after training sessions.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former Dynamos Coach Herbert Maruwa Faces Extortion Charges

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Anti-Corruption_Commission/">Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC)</a> has announced that a senior officer in the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) has been convicted and sentenced to four years in prison for extortion.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, ZACC said Patrick Badza, the convicted officer, demanded a payment of USD9,900 from a Chinese investor who sought work permits for his workers. Badza threatened to deny the permits if the payment was not made.
The ZACC investigated the matter and arrested Badza, who subsequently faced trial and was found guilty.
The issue of extortion in Zimbabwe remains a persistent problem, as evidenced by recent reports of corruption involving law enforcement officials. In April 2022, three officers from different security agencies were arrested and charged with soliciting a bribe at the Beitbridge border post. The accused individuals, who were part of a joint operation against smuggling and illegal border crossings, allegedly demanded a bribe of R6,500 from a motorist travelling from South Africa. The victim paid the bribe and subsequently reported the incident to a relative who then filed a complaint with the Beitbridge Customs and Excise Regional Manager. The matter was then reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the three officers who were subsequently charged with criminal abuse of office. The magistrate remanded them in custody after the prosecutor successfully opposed bail. 
In 2019, the Zimbabwe Morning Post reported that some retired ministers from the ruling party ZANU-PF, who were employed at the party’s headquarters, had taken over the mandate of the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA) to promote and facilitate foreign and local investment. According to the publication, investors were directed to the ZANU-PF headquarters to discuss their business interests before going to the ZIA. The report suggested that these <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2019/06/10/zanu-pf-heavyweights-scaring-investors-by-demanding-huge-bribes/">ZANU-PF officials were demanding large kickbacks from investors as facilitation fees.</a> This situation raised concerns about the credibility of the ZIA and the country’s investment climate.
These reports emerged after Zimbabwe lost a billion-dollar investment from Dangote in 2015 due to demands for kickbacks from former first lady Grace Mugabe’s team.
Recently, President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa/">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> acknowledged the presence of and expressed concern about the corruption and bureaucracy that is scaring away investors. He called for an end to the practice of moving investors from office to office and person to person, which often leads to disappointment and frustration. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZACC Confirms Senior CIO Officer Sentenced To 4 Years In Prison For Extortion

Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) presenter, Rutendo Makuti, who was being accused of extorting Goodness and Mercy Ministries leader and founder Tapiwa Freddy, has been acquitted, reported <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/zbc-presenter-acquitted-of-extortion-prophet-freddy-surrenders-benz/">H-Metro</a>.
Makuti was being charged together with his uncle Chief Chikwaka, born Witness Bungu, Mutetepi Maushe and Gibson Jaji who were both police officers when the alleged crime was committed.
She was acquitted after Freddy tendered a withdrawal affidavit before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda.
Freddy said the parties had reached an amicable settlement on the matter. In the affidavit, the cleric said:
<blockquote>
I withdraw after plea the charges against all the accused persons freely, voluntarily, without any undue influence or duress having been exerted on me, without admission of any wrongdoing on my part and without prejudice to any defence the accused persons may have had on the merits.
</blockquote>
Freddy said he had agreed to allow Makuti to keep his Mercedes Benz vehicle which had formed the basis of the extortion allegations. He said:
<blockquote>
I withdraw the present complaint with the consent of the State, after plea, and that:
<ul>
<li>I do not object to a verdict of ‘not guilty and acquitted’ being entered.</li>
<li>I will cause the vehicle, forming the basis of the charges, namely a Mercedes Benz, black in colour, to be released into Rutendo Makuti’s custody to deal with the same as she pleases, I undertake to all such things and execute all such documents as are prescribed by law or custom to give effect to the foregoing.</li>
<li>I undertake that I will maintain peace and civility towards the accused persons and will not speak ill, prejudicially or negatively about the accused persons regarding this matter on social media, mainstream print media or any of the platforms where it’s likely that the same will be published.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
Allegations were that Makuti, Bungu, Maushe, and Jaji had connived to extort Freddy of his Mercedes Benz in order to conceal rape allegations against him.
Freddy was tried and acquitted in February 2022 of the rape allegations that had been raised by Makuti.

ZBC Presenter Acquitted Of Extortion, To Keep T. Freddy's Mercedes Benz

A Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) senior reporter Tendai Munengwa and an intelligence officer, Henry Kachere, appeared in court over the weekend after they allegedly extorted businessman and ZANU PF councillor Scott Sakupwanya.
<a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/duo-nabbed-for-extorting-top-businessman/">H-Metro</a> reported that Munengwa and Kachere appeared before magistrate Yeukai Dzuda who remanded them in custody to Saturday, 11 February for bail considerations.
Prosecutors said the two men connived to extort money from Sakupwanya by threatening to expose some sensitive classified information of some illegal gold dealings they allegedly claimed were happening at his company, Better Brands Jewellery.
Better Brands was recently ordered to suspend its operations at Redwing Mine in Penhalonga, by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), following reports of the deaths of scores of artisanal miners.
It is alleged that before implementing their plan, Munengwa approached Sakupwanya and demanded US$25 000 so that he could bring the documents and cause their destruction upon payment.
Sakupwanya is alleged to have indicated that he could afford US$15 000.
Munengwa allegedly accepted the money and indicated he was going to bring the CIO officers handling the matter to his offices on 9 February.
On the same day, the police obtained a trap authority and Sakupwanya gave the money to Tozivepi Milward, his security officer, to give the money to the two.
It is further alleged that Munengwa and Kachere went to Better Brands offices in Greendale where Kachere showed Milward the file, which they claimed contained incriminating information.
Milward then handed over the trap money to Munengwa who received it and took possession of the cash.
The police reacted promptly and arrested the two at the scene and recovered the trap money from Munengwa.

ZBC Senior Reporter, CIO Officer Arrested For Extorting ZANU PF Councillor

A Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) agent based in Harare has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for extorting two vehicles from a land developer as payment for personal security.
Nesbert Chinoputsa was charged with extortion when he appeared before magistrate Noticia Shenje.
Chinoputsa was found guilty and slapped with a 12-month jail term. He, however, will serve an effective nine months after the magistrate suspended three months on condition of good behaviour.
Allegations were that in 2019, property developer Brian Michael Jackson asked Chinoputsa to provide personal security following suspicious incidents at his workplace and residence.
The court was told that Chinoputsa instilled fear in Jackson by telling him that some people wanted to kill him.
He told Jackson to surrender the two vehicles for security operations that would prevent the recurrence of the unusual events.
Jackson surrendered the two vehicles to Chinoputsa, a Mazda B2200 truck and a Nissan Bluebird sedan as payment for providing personal security services.
On 7 January 2022, Jackson reported the matter to police, leading to the recovery of the vehicles at Chinoputsa’s residence in Kuwadzana Extension.
In sentencing Chinoputsa, Shenje said he had put the name of the CIO into disrepute and that his moral blameworthiness was very high since he was supposed to protect the public. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200004742/cio-operative-jailed-12-months-for-extortion">NewsDay</a>

CIO Operative Jailed 12 Months For Extorting Brian Michael Jackson

The founder and leader of Goodness and Mercy Ministries, Tapiwa Freddy, was back in court on Monday, 7 November in a matter he is accusing his ex-girlfriend, Rutendo Makuti, of extortion.
Makuti, a radio presenter, Chief Chikwaka (born Witness Bungu) and Gibson Jaji appeared before Harare magistrate Tafadzwa Miti, who remanded the matter to December 12.
Makuti on Monday filed an application for referral to the Constitutional Court.
In her application for referral, Makuti, told the court that the factual matrix of the application is that she reported Freddy for rape, in which her co-accused testified as witnesses.
She stated that Freddy had the opportunity to cross-examine her on the extortion charges that she is now facing.
It was alleged that the accused (Makuti, Bungu and Jaji) wanted Freddy to pay for allegedly raping Mukati.
Freddy then reported the matter to the police leading to the arrest of the three suspects.
Freddy was tried for the alleged rape of Makuti and found not guilty in February this year.
In acquitting Freddy, Harare Regional Magistrate Gloria Takundwa said the State failed to prove its case against him after there were several inconsistencies in the testimony of the complainant.
Takundwa said the complainant departed from her material evidence which she gave to the police in her recorded statement.
The magistrate added that the complainant changed her story when giving evidence in court, while her aunt denied having been told of the second alleged rape. | <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/t-freddy-back-in-court/">H-Metro</a>

Tapiwa Freddy Back In Court As He Accuses Ex-lover Of Extortion

Five male bogus Zimbabwean taxi association patrollers were arrested in Randburg, South Africa, for extortion and kidnapping this week.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed that their Undercover Reaction Unit had arrested the suspects. Said Fihla:
<blockquote>
On Wednesday, 26 October 2022, officers received information of suspects pretending to be taxi association patrollers affiliated with PRS taxi association in Pretoria, who were extorting money from unsuspecting motorists giving lifts to hitchhikers in the Randburg area.
Further information was received that the suspects were driving around in a silver-grey Volvo S40.
</blockquote>
He said on 24 October, a case docket was opened at Randburg SAPS as the Zimbabwean men had extorted money from a truck owner at the Randburg Driving License Testing Centre. Explained Fihla:
<blockquote>
Whilst on patrol along Malibongwe Drive and the N1 searching for the suspects, officers identified the vehicle matching the description used in the commission of the crime. They tactically approached and stopped the vehicle.
While searching they discovered that one of the occupants was a victim of extortion who the suspects had forced to withdraw R4000.
</blockquote>
Fihla said police officers arrested more suspects linked to the syndicate that had been terrorising the community of Randburg. He said:
<blockquote>
They were driving a white Isuzu bakkie. The PRS Taxi Association office was notified of the suspects extorting people using their association name and they confirmed that they had received numerous complaints about such conduct.
All five suspects, Zimbabwean nationals were detained at Randburg SAPS, and both vehicles used by the suspects were seized and booked in at the SAPS Aeroton pound
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/zimbabwean-bogus-taxi-association-patrollers-arrested-28-october-2022/">The South African</a>

SA: Five Bogus Zimbabwean Taxi Association Inspectors Arrested

A traditional healer, supposedly aged 106, on Monday, appeared in court for extortion involving a late businesswoman he allegedly helped to amass wealth.
The traditional healer, Elias Godknows Zinyemba, appeared before Harare magistrate Shane Kubonera charged with extortion.
He had allegedly threatened the family of the late businesswoman, Precious Nyakujara, with death if they did not return the goblins he claimed to have given the now deceased.
Precious, who was well-known in Harare as a foreign currency dealer, died in August 2021.
Zinyemba appeared in court together with his daughter Pamela Zinyemba and his nephew Newlife Magona.
State prosecutor Marian Furidze told the court that in November last year, the trio, with Artwell Magona and Elton Dickson connived and wrote a letter which they addressed to the late businesswoman.
The letter was delivered to the late Nyakujara’s residence in Glen Lorne by Magona and was received by her husband John Mukorera.
Mukorera reportedly advised his mother-in-law Josephine Edith Nyakujara of the contents of the letter which purported to invite his late wife to Zinyemba’s shrine.
On 24 November last year, Mukorera and his mother-in-law and his cousin Brian Goto went to Zinyemba’s shrine in Musekiwa village in Bindura escorted by Magona.
Zinyemba allegedly informed them that he had given the late Precious some goblins, which had helped her succeed in her business.
He further told them that since Precious had died and no one was there to take care of the goblins, it was safe that he repossessed them because they wanted blood.
Zinyemba reportedly claimed that he had an agreement with Precious that whenever the goblins were to be returned, they were to be accompanied by a payment of 40 cattle, a house in Harare and a car.
After Josephine allegedly begged for leniency, Zinyemba reviewed the payment downwards to US$5 000 and a motor vehicle.
Zinyemba reportedly sent two representatives with Josephine to Precious’ house and performed some rituals to remove the goblins.
After the rituals were done, Josephine allegedly paid them US$7 000 in the presence of her son-in-law Mukorera and Goto.
Meanwhile, Josephine later informed her uncle Douglas Chiendambuya what had transpired and they agreed to meet at a local hotel.
At that meeting, Chiendambuya was accompanied by Justice Muzungu who revealed that he had been treated in the same way by Zinyemba after his father died but had refused to make the payment after noting “inconsistencies”.
Josephine then decided to make a police report for extortion, resulting in the arrest of Zinyemba and his alleged accomplices. They were remanded to 20 January.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/traditional-healer-106-in-eye-of-extortion-storm/">H-Metro</a></h4>

106-year-old Traditional Healer In Court For Extortion

An engineer at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Mutetepi Maushe (36), on Friday appeared in court on allegations of attempting to extort Goodness and Mercy Ministries leader Tapiwa Freddy.
Maushe allegedly demanded US$20 000 from Freddy after threatening to expose a love affair between the self-styled prophet and radio presenter Rutendo Makuti.
He was not asked to plead to extortion charges when he appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi, who remanded him to 7 December on free bail.
Maushe is likely to be jointly charged with Makuti, who is facing similar allegations when he returns to court.
It is the State’s case that sometime last year, Freddy was involved in a love affair with Makuti.
The court heard that during the subsistence of their relationship Mutetepi allegedly connived with Makuti to extort money from Freddy and started threatening him saying he was a brother to Makuti. He was using the name Tapson Makuti.
Allegations are that Mutetepi instructed Freddy to pay Rutendo Makuti US$20 000 for their love affair not to be exposed to the public and to avoid allegations of rape against him.
Mutetepi allegedly called Freddy purporting to be Makuti’s brother and demanded the US$20 000.
Sometime this month, Mutetepi called Freddy and allegedly gave him an ultimatum of up to the end of the day to pay the US$20 000 and sign a document admitting that he raped his alleged sister.
Freddy reported the matter to the police.
Makuti was arrested when she was lured to meet Freddy to discuss the signing of the document and the payment of the US$20 000.
She then allegedly implicated Maushe.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/new-twist-to-t-freddy-case/">The Herald</a></h4>

ZBC Engineer Sucked Into T Freddy, Rutendo Makuti Case

Police in Harare have arrested a female Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) Radio Zimbabwe presenter on allegations she extorted self-styled prophet, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Prophet_Freddy">Tapuwa Freddy</a>.
NewZimbabwe.com reported police sources as saying the presenter, whose identity has not been divulged to the media, has been extorting the Glenview-based flamboyant cleric for a full year.
The presenter has reportedly of late been demanding US$15 000 from the charismatic preacher. Said the source:
<blockquote>
The prophet tried to negotiate the figure down to US$12 000 and she then raised the figure to US$200 000.
</blockquote>
The preacher then offered a Mercedes Benz vehicle and she accepted it.
After getting the car she then made another demand of US$15 000.
Freddy then reported the case leading to her arrest.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zbc-radio-presenter-arrested-for-extorting-top-cleric/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

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