Officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) stationed in Jotsholo are under fire for allegedly extorting US$44 from an elderly man, Mr. Mzizi, to release his son’s b*dy and facilitate a post-mortem after the young man’s d3ath at Cross Jotsholo shops.
The incident, which has sparked outrage in the Lupane District community, highlights concerns over police misconduct and exploitation of vulnerable citizens.
According to sources close to the family, Mr. Mzizi was approached by ZRP officers who demanded US$14 to release his son’s b6dy, which had been held at the scene of the incident.
The officers reportedly further insisted on an additional US$30 to transport the body for a mandatory post-mortem examination.
Mr. Mzizi, grieving the loss of his son and under financial strain, was compelled to pay the fees to secure the release and proceed with funeral arrangements.
The circumstances surrounding the young man’s d3ath at Cross Jotsholo shops remain unclear, with no official police statement released by press time.
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Community members expressed dismay, describing the officers’ actions as predatory and an abuse of authority.
“It’s shameful that police would demand money from a gr3eving father, especially an old man like Mr. Mzizi,” said a resident, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.
In recent years, the ZRP has faced accusations of corruption and mistreatment, including a 2023 case in Banket where officers were implicated in the d3ath of a suspect in custody.
The ZRP has not commented on the Jotsholo incident, and efforts to reach the National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi for clarification were unsuccessful by deadline.
Mr. Mzizi’s plight has drawn calls for an investigation into the officers’ conduct and stricter oversight of police practices.
Community leaders urged the ZRP to address such allegations promptly to restore public trust.
“The police must respect the sanctity of human life and dignity, even in d3ath,” said a local traditional leader.
