Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza was not acting alone. Senior police officers believe he was operating with accomplices inside the force. Following Mandizvidza’s unlawful acquisition of a police Ford Ranger vehicle and his subsequent disappearance, authorities launched an operation to uncover related criminal activity. During this operation, two bogus police officers preying on a truck driver were apprehended.

The situation has raised serious concerns about collusion and corruption within the police force. The bogus police officers were found along Bulawayo Road after Superintendent Mutsvangwa, based at Police General Headquarters (PGHQ), rescued truck driver Bernard Zinyakatira, who had fallen victim to their scam. Although one suspect fled, Albert Moyo, 30, was arrested for car theft. The exact reasons why these individuals are classified as bogus police officers were not clarified in the report.

Timeline of Key Events:

  • Wednesday 13 AUG: Mandizvidza unlawfully took the Ford Ranger police vehicle after requesting the keys under pretenses of an unspecified task.

  • Wednesday afternoon (around 1 pm): Mandizvidza did not respond to calls seeking his location or task details.

  • Wednesday evening (around 6 pm): Authorities tried calling Mandizvidza’s cellphone, which was unreachable.

  • Police conducted searches for Mandizvidza at Chikurubi Support Unit Camp and Hatfield Police Camp, which were unsuccessful.
  • Wednesday night: Superintendent Mutsvangwa intervened to rescue Bernard Zinyakatira from two bogus police officers along Bulawayo Road.

  • Following the rescue, Superintendent Mutsvangwa arrested Albert Moyo for car theft; the other suspect escaped.

  • Case Numbers:

    • The case involving Mandizvidza’s disappearance and theft of the police vehicle is recorded under RRB 6464268 at the Fife Avenue base.

    • The case regarding the bogus police officers and related truck theft is reported at ZRP Marimba under RRB 6542717.

The killing of Chinese miners in Shurugwi, Zimbabwe, occurred on the night of July 23, 2025. The incident took place amid tensions linked to illegal mining activities and local disputes in the mining sector. Reports indicate that a group of Chinese miners were attacked during this event, resulting in fatalities.

The Chinese Travel warning Reads:

Reminder for Chinese-funded enterprises and citizens in Zimbabwe to strengthen safety precautions

Recently, there was an armed robbery at a Chinese mining enterprise in the central province of Zimbabwe. A Chinese citizen was injured by gunfire during the incident but the attacker was neutralized and is now deceased. After the Chinese Embassy was informed, it immediately organized consular assistance and coordinated with local police to increase efforts to capture the criminal quickly and to effectively protect the safety of Chinese enterprises and citizens.

The Embassy again reminds Chinese-funded enterprises and citizens in Zimbabwe to strengthen safety measures:

  1. Stay informed of local security situations, make security plans based on your own circumstances, and develop emergency response plans. If conditions permit, hire professional security personnel.

  2. Pay close attention to suspicious individuals. When going out, be vigilant about personal and property safety. Avoid crowded areas, complex environments, and do not expose cash or valuables. Avoid traveling alone or going out at night.

  3. In case of armed robbery, kidnapping, or emergency situations, remain calm, avoid direct conflict, prioritize personal safety, and promptly report to police while seeking assistance from the Embassy or consulate.

Emergency police numbers in Zimbabwe:

  • 995 (landline)

  • 112 (Econet mobile)

  • 114 (NetOne mobile)

Embassy consular protection and assistance phone: +263-772128308

Global consular protection emergency call numbers: +86-10-12308 & +86-10-65612308

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