Zvikomborero Parafini
A 37-year-old Harare police officer has appeared in court after allegedly arresting a man for touting for passengers before demanding money to secure his release, despite being off duty.
Patrick Makore, stationed at Harare Central Police Station, appeared before Harare regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa facing criminal abuse of duty charges.
According to State papers, the incident occurred on November 7, 2026, at around 1.20pm when Makore allegedly arrested 22-year-old Emmanuel Muyemba at Market Square Bus Terminus for touting for passengers.
Makore allegedly escorted Muyemba to Harare Central Police Station, where he took him to a secluded area and demanded money in exchange for his release.
The court heard that Muyemba told Makore that he did not have any money.
Makore allegedly threatened to detain him and told him that he would only appear in court the following Monday (yesterday).
However, his alleged conduct attracted the attention of Inspector Mhara, the officer in charge of operations, who observed the two and summoned Makore for questioning.
During questioning, Inspector Mhara reportedly established that Makore was neither on duty nor officially deployed on any assignment at the time of the alleged arrest.
Makore was subsequently apprehended by Sergeant Kachembere and taken to Harare Central Police Station for further investigations.
The State alleges that Makore knowingly acted contrary to his duties as a public officer by demanding money from Muyemba in exchange for his release.
Lancelot Mutsokoti ppeared for the State.
