Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku [email protected]
A 43-YEAR-OLD Bulawayo man has been sentenced to serve an effective six months in jail for impersonating a police officer after donning a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) uniform and posing as a sergeant to serve court documents linked to a family property dispute in Filabusi.
Nhamo Karuru, of Cowdray Park suburb, appeared on Monday for trial before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Mr Isheunesu Mathoba, facing two counts of impersonating a police officer.
The second count, which involves a woman based in the United Kingdom, was withdrawn before plea because the witness was unable to come and testify in court.
At the conclusion of the trial, Karuru was found guilty and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. Six months were suspended on condition that he does not commit a similar offence within a period of five years. If convicted of a similar offence within five years, he will be jailed without the option of a fine. Karuru was represented by Ms Mary Nyika of Task Vhiki Attorneys.
In mitigation, Ms Nyika pleaded for leniency, stating that her client was a first-time offender with no previous criminal record.
“He is a first-time offender and has no previous criminal record. He did not benefit from the crime. He is a police constabulary member who unfortunately got involved in a crime,” said Ms Nyika.
In aggravation, prosecutor Mr Arnold Mudekunye submitted that by impersonating a law enforcement officer, Karuru wrecked the reputation of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
“His unbecoming behaviour tainted the reputation of the ZRP and other Government institutions, and it is a sign of disrespect to the entire police force. The State prays for a custodial sentence,” said Mr Mudekunye.
Mr Mudekunye told the court that on an unknown date in January 2026, Karuru approached Andrea Mpofu (29) at Montrose Farm 3 in Filabusi while dressed in a police uniform.
“Karuru introduced himself as ‘Sergeant Nyoni’ from ZRP Tredgold Court before serving Mpofu with summons relating to a protection order, case number PRO 502/25,” said Mr Mudekunye.
“Karuru later committed a similar offence on 2 February 2026 at Number 67 Dlamini Township in Matsheumhlope, Bulawayo, where he again impersonated a police officer to obtain an advantage for himself or another person.”
The court heard that the matter was reported to the police, leading to Karuru’s arrest.
The charges stem from a long-running dispute over a family homestead situated at a Cooperative Farm, where ownership of the deceased matriarch’s property is being contested among her six children.
The conflict escalated after one of the beneficiaries, Freedom Mpofu, sought to register the property solely in his name despite the family’s position that it should benefit all six siblings.
The dispute turned violent after Freedom Mpofu obtained a protection order against his son, Andrea, before setting
