A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer accused of impersonating the Commissioner-General and spreading false directives on social media will remain behind bars until Wednesday, following a postponement of his bail hearing.
Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza, 35, was due to appear before Harare provincial magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe on Monday. However, the matter was delayed after his lawyer, Kumbirai Chivhuna, requested more time to consult with his client.
Mandizvidza faces three criminal charges: undermining the authority of the security services, misrepresenting facts to illegally access a police vehicle, and disseminating false information with malicious intent.
According to the State, represented by prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, the accused filmed a video at his official residence at ZRP Hatfield Police Camp on August 13, using a Canon 250D camera. In the video, he reportedly proclaimed himself the new Commissioner-General of Police, announced the suspension of traffic operations, and issued an ultimatum for all Chinese nationals to leave Zimbabwe within 48 hours.
The video was uploaded to a YouTube channel named Gondo Harishaye, where it was publicly accessible.
Prosecutors allege that the content of the video was aimed at destabilising the police force, inciting fear among foreign nationals, and potentially harming the country’s economy.
On the same day, Mandizvidza is said to have approached Chief Inspector Fidios Chiteure, head of the Police General Headquarters Pay and Records Section, and falsely claimed that a senior officer named Commissioner Makomo had authorised him to use a police Ford Ranger.
Believing the statement, Chiteure approved the release of the vehicle, which Mandizvidza allegedly drove to Waerera Village in Chief Masembura’s jurisdiction, Bindura. The vehicle was later recovered.
Authorities argue that Mandizvidza had no legal basis to obtain or use the police vehicle.
Additionally, it is claimed that last Thursday, Mandizvidza posted another video to the same YouTube channel, again asserting himself as the rightful leader of the ZRP, despite Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba being the incumbent.
The court is set to hear the bail application on Wednesday.
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