KEY POINTS
- Officer sparked manhunt after vanishing with police vehicle.
- Posted videos online claiming to have taken over ZRP.
- Police say conduct “borders on treason.”
Zimbabwean authorities have arrested a police officer who went on social media to declare himself the new boss of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), after allegedly stealing a marked Ford Ranger from Police General Headquarters in Harare.
Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza was detained on Thursday in Harare following a nationwide manhunt launched two days earlier. Police said the vehicle, bearing official colours, went missing from headquarters on August 13.
Videos spark uproar
Within hours of the vehicle theft, videos circulated online showing Mandizvidza in uniform claiming to have assumed leadership of the ZRP and further ordering Chinese nationals to leave the country within 48 hours.
“Regrettably, our relationship with the Zimbabwean public has not always been ideal,” he said in one video. “As of today, the ZRP are committed to serving the people, I will be taking charge of ZRP with immediate effect with a focus on empowering young officers.”
Mandizvidza, also known as “Sibling,” described himself as the Member in Charge of the Senior Officers Desk at PGHQ.
Zimbabwe police officer arrested
Police spokesman Paul Nyathi said the officer’s statements “border on treason” and warned the public not to be misled. Details of the arrest were also not immediately disclosed, but the ZRP said it is investigating both the vehicle theft and the remarks.
In conclusion, Mandizvidza is expected to face multiple charges.
