Innocent Chimutsi (44) and Tawanda Marabada (36) appeared before Harare magistrate Mr. Dennis Mangosi on allegations of impersonating police officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for fraudulent activities. They faced two counts of impersonation and were remanded out of custody to April 4 on US$100 bail each.
The State alleges that in January 2024, Mr. Andsen Patson responded to a Facebook advertisement posted by Chimutsi and Marabada, offering to facilitate Certificates of Sponsorship (COS) for employment seekers in the United Kingdom. Mr. Patson sought a COS for his wife and paid 5,500 British pounds, with a deposit of 4,000 pounds made through his uncle based in the UK.
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After receiving an offer letter and COS via WhatsApp, Mr. Patson discovered the documents were fake during his British visa application process. He attempted to contact the accused but received no response. Later, Chimutsi contacted Mr. Patson via Facebook, posing as a police detective investigating the matter.
Despite Mr. Patson’s suspicions, Chimutsi demanded US$100 for fuel and 500 pounds for the money’s recovery. Mr. Patson sought assistance from officers at Harare Central Police Station, leading to Chimutsi’s arrest in the city center. Marabada, accompanying Chimutsi, was also arrested for impersonating a police detective.