adminThandeka Moyo Court Reporter
A Tsholotsho man, who allegedly masqueraded as a policeman and operated from Tsholotsho Police Station for a year, appeared in court yesterday facing two counts of impersonation. Tsholotsho resident magistrate Victor Mpofu remanded Brighton Chamhanga, 29, out of custody to September 3 when his trial will commence at the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Courts.
Chamhanga allegedly operated in the anti-stock theft unit.
The court heard police officers were afraid to verify his credentials as he duped them into believing he had been sent to investigate corruption within their ranks.
He even managed to get married to a police officer who is stationed in Tsholotsho.
Chamhanga was unmasked following a series of complaints from villagers who alleged he extorted money from them.
Prosecuting, Sikhumbuzo Sibanda said on August 8 last year at around 6PM at Tsholotsho Business Centre, Chamhanga approached Lillian Dube and introduced himself as a police officer.
“He went on to state that he had been recently transferred from ZRP Mutare and intended to move his refrigerator to Tsholotsho though he had no money to do so. Chamhanga then asked Dube to lend him $30 and she sent the money believing he was a police officer,” said Sibanda.
“He, however, failed to pay back the money until Dube lodged a complaint with the Officer in Charge ZRP Tsholotsho Chief Inspector Chapeyama where Chamhanga admitted owing Dube and paid back $10.”
Sibanda said sometime in July, Chamhanga accompanied Constable Nomalanga Mkwananzi to clear livestock bought by Anele Mkwananzi at Ntulani Line.
“It’s then that Constable Mkwananzi became aware that Chamhanga had introduced himself to the stock buyer as a police officer. Chamhanga also accompanied another police officer to clear stock and he introduced himself as a police officer,” said Sibanda.
“Chamhanga also accompanied Isabel Mahachi in search of a beast in Nanda Njube Line and introduced himself as a police officer holding a higher rank under CID Stocktheft Tsholotsho.
“Whilst conversing, some people approached him seeking advice on bail application and he demanded $50 to facilitate the bail application.”
Chamhanga reportedly failed to get the money from the family and advised them to come back to him when they got it.
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