The Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested Shepherd Mangoma, a 47-year-old man from Budiriro, Harare, for impersonating a police officer and extorting money from a grieving family.
The arrest follows an appearance by the family members of the late Darlington Tendai Mapiki on a Star FM programme, where they raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding Mapiki’s death on October 27, 2024.
The family disputed the post-mortem results, which indicated that Mapiki had committed suicide, and suspected foul play instead.
Mangoma allegedly approached the family on December 9, 2024, posing as a detective stationed at CID Homicide, Harare. He claimed to have information about Mapiki’s death and demanded US$500 from the family to facilitate the arrest of the suspects linked to Mapiki’s death.
The family reported the matter to the CID Police Anti-Corruption unit, Harare, leading to a trap being set. Mangoma was arrested at Rainbow Towers Hotel, Harare, after being handed US$200 by the family.
In a statement, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has warned the public to be vigilant and report individuals who approach them claiming to be police officers, demanding cash or personal information.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores the public to be vigilant and report individuals who approach them claiming to be police officers on the streets, shopping centres or other places outside police establishments, demanding cash or personal information as part of Police inquiries.
“The public should report such individuals on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station,” Nyathi stated.
