Fake cop tries to arrest real cop

Emily Mbewe Court reporter
A man posing as a police officer stopped people in the Bulawayo city centre before robbing them has been spared jail. Norman Fana, 30, ran out of luck after stopping a real off-duty police officer and threatening him with “arrest”.

Constable Claudius Gwarazimba gave Fana the shock of his life when he quickly turned the tables and arrested him.

Magistrate Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze sentenced Fana to a wholly suspended 12-month prison sentence. Fana, of Mahatshula, was ordered to perform 210 hours of community service at Mahatshula Primary School.

Charles Danda, for the state, said on Sunday this week at around 6PM, Gwarazimba met Fana at the corner of Leopold Takawira and George Silundika.

Fana started accusing Gwarazimba of being a thief.

“Fana went on to introduce himself as a police officer and told Gwarazimba that he was under arrest,” said Danda.

Fana grabbed the police officer while feeling his pockets at the same time.

“As he was trying to take a mobile phone, Gwarazimba introduced himself as a police officer and managed to handcuff Fana who was taken to Bulawayo Central Police Station,” said Danda.