Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza Remanded In Custody

An Assistant Inspector with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been remanded in custody after appearing at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on allegations ranging from impersonation and fraud to the transmission of false information.

In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that the officer, Simbarashe Mandizvidza, is accused of unlawfully claiming leadership of the ZRP and engaging in acts that undermined public trust and security. The statement reads:

Simbarashe Mandizvidza an Assistant Inspector in the Zimbabwe Republic Police has been placed on remand at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on the following allegations:

Count 1 – Causing disaffection among police officers (S 30 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23):

This offence involves trying to persuade members of the Police Force to become disloyal or disobedient. On the 14th of August 2025 the accused, knowing that Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba is the commander of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, broadcasted a video pronouncing that he is the head of the Zimbabwe Republic Police. He broadcasted the video on his YouTube channel Gondo Harishaye.

Count 2 – Procuring Use Of Motor Vehicle By Fraud (S 57 (1)(c) of the Road Traffic Act Chapter 13:11):

On the 13th of August 2025 he misrepresented to Chief Inspector Chiteure, that he had been instructed by Commissioner Makomo to use a Ford Ranger Registration number ZRP 1034R to do some errands on behalf of Commissioner Makomo. Acting upon the misrepresentation Chief Inspector Chiteure allowed accused to drive the said motor vehicle. He drove the motor vehicle to Waerera village in Bindura where it was recovered.

Count 3 – Transmission of false data message intending to cause harm (S164C of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23):

On the 13th of August 2025, he broadcast and distributed, to the public, video footage on his YouTube channel Gondo Harishaye wherein he made various false utterances including among others that the ZRP Traffic section is temporarily disbanded and that all Chinese nationals residing and doing business in Zimbabwe must leave the Republic of Zimbabwe within 48 hours.

The matter was postponed to the 18th of August 2025 for bail application in the morning. The State has indicated that it will oppose the bail application.

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