Two police officers have been brought before a magistrate after allegedly staging an unauthorized roadblock along Samora Machel Avenue in Harare and stealing US$10,000 from a Chinese national.
Jefter Nkomazanah (36) from Kanyemba Police Station and Crynot Fablano (40) from Dzivarasekwa Police Station appeared before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa on Friday, facing charges of criminal abuse of duty. They were remanded in custody until February 25 for a bail hearing.
Investigations revealed that Fablano was already on suspension at the time of the incident.
According to reports, on February 14, the victim was driving along Samora Machel Avenue when Nkomazanah, dressed in uniform, approached the vehicle. When the driver locked the car, Nkomazanah allegedly reached through a partially open window to unlock the door and got inside.
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He accused the driver of using a cellphone while driving and instructed him to proceed to Harare Central Police Station. However, instead of going there, he was directed to park near Karigamombe Centre, where Fablano later joined them.
Nkomazanah reportedly introduced Fablano as his superior, after which the two allegedly threatened the victim. Fablano then searched the victim’s satchel and took US$10,000. The victim, feeling pressured, handed Nkomazanah an additional US$25, but Fablano had already left with the larger sum.
After realizing the money was gone, the victim reported the incident, leading to an investigation by the Police Anti-Corruption Unit.
On February 18, detectives spotted the two officers in uniform attempting to stop motorists along Samora Machel Avenue. When approached, they tried to flee but were caught after a brief chase.
The victim reported a total loss of US$10,025, and the stolen money has not yet been recovered.
