Assistant Inspector Mandizvidza’s Bail Application Deferred

A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer accused of falsely proclaiming himself the new Commissioner-General and issuing unlawful directives via social media will remain in custody for a further two days after his bail hearing was postponed by the Magistrates’ Court.

Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza (35), who had been scheduled to appear before Harare provincial magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe on Monday for his bail application, will now have his matter heard on Wednesday.

The postponement followed a request from Mandizvidza’s lawyer, Kumbirai Chivhuna, who sought additional time to obtain further instructions from his client.

Mandizvidza faces three charges: causing disaffection among members of the security services, fraudulently procuring the use of a police vehicle, and transmitting false data with the intent to cause harm.

According to prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, on 13 August, Mandizvidza recorded a video at his official residence at ZRP Hatfield Police Camp using a Canon 250D camera.

In the video, he allegedly declared himself the new Commissioner-General of Police, announced the suspension of all traffic duties, and ordered that all Chinese nationals leave Zimbabwe within 48 hours.

The recording was later uploaded to a YouTube channel named Gondo Harishaye, where it was accessible to the public.

The State contends that Mandizvidza’s actions were calculated to sow disaffection within the police force, cause psychological distress among foreign nationals, and inflict economic harm on the country.

On the same day, Mandizvidza is alleged to have approached Chief Inspector Fidios Chiteure, Officer-in-Charge of the Police General Headquarters Pay and Records Section, and falsely claimed that a Commissioner Makomo had instructed him to use a police Ford Ranger.

Believing the claim, Chief Inspector Chiteure authorised the release of the vehicle, which Mandizvidza allegedly drove to Waerera Village in Chief Masembura’s area of jurisdiction, Bindura, where it was later recovered.

The State insists that Mandizvidza had no lawful authority to obtain or use the vehicle under such pretences.

Furthermore, it is alleged that on Thursday last week, Mandizvidza uploaded a second video to the same YouTube channel, again falsely declaring himself the head of the ZRP despite Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba being the recognised leader of the force.

More: The Herald