Africa-Press – Nigeria. Three police officers stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Chivhu have been arrested and brought before the courts on allegations of armed robbery and extortion.
The trio, Conscious Nhumbwa, Wellington Muchanyerei and Solister Mutande, allegedly embarked on a criminal spree between January and August 2025, using their positions in the Zimbabwe Republic Police to intimidate and extort money from Learnmore Gwata, their alleged victim.
According to the State, on January 7, 2025 the three officers allegedly connived to forcibly obtain money from Gwata.
Prosecutor Mike Choto told the court that the officers, armed with a pistol, drove to Gwata’s rural home in Desve Village.
Upon arrival, Mutande allegedly pointed a firearm at the complainant, accusing him of stealing tiles from Dinson Iron and Steel Company, a case that did not exist.
They allegedly force-marched Gwata to their vehicle, demanded US$1 000, and eventually handcuffed and bundled him into the boot when he said he only had US$500 at his house in Northwood, Chivhu.
He later gave them the money under duress.
In May 2025, the accused officers allegedly ambushed Gwata at his home as he arrived with a fuel-laden vehicle.
After searching his car and finding diesel, they allegedly demanded US$500 to avoid arrest, and he reportedly paid US$300.
A third incident allegedly occurred in August 2025, when the officers waylaid Gwata along the Harare–Masvingo Highway.
After searching his vehicle and finding diesel again, they demanded money and allegedly escorted him home to collect US$200. They gave him back US$80 as a “loan” to be repaid after he had pleaded with them that he had not yet paid his rentals.
He later paid the money.
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