Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza, who made headlines in August after telling all Chinese nationals to leave Zimbabwe and claiming to be the new police chief, has been declared mentally unfit to stand trial. Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai made the ruling after two state doctors and a private doctor confirmed that Mandizvidza is mentally unstable.
He has been sent indefinitely to Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit. Mandizvidza had been facing charges of spreading false information, violating the Road Traffic Act, and trying to cause division within the police and defence forces.
The charges he was facing included:
- Spreading false information
- Violating the Road Traffic Act
- Trying to cause division within the police and defence forces
Timeline
Based on the available information, here is a timeline of the Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza case:
- Prior to August 14, 2025: Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza posts videos on social media, in which he tells Chinese nationals to leave Zimbabwe and claims to be the new police chief.
- August 14, 2025: The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) issues a press statement disassociating itself from Mandizvidza’s “treasonous” statements. The ZRP announces that he has been arrested and is facing both disciplinary and criminal charges.
- Undated (after August 14, 2025): Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai presides over the case. Mandizvidza undergoes mental evaluation by two state doctors and a private doctor.
- October 15, 2025: Magistrate Kuhudzai rules that Mandizvidza is mentally unfit to stand trial, based on the doctors’ reports. He is sent indefinitely to Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit.
