Online Reporter
Sidumisile Mabena, [email protected]
A 50-YEAR-OLD man who posed as a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) official to extort money from a housing development trust official has been arrested.
Edmond Nzombe allegedly approached Martha Mutamburi of Mikando Housing Development Trust in October 2024, claiming to be a police officer and a ZACC official.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) confirm the arrest of Edmond Nzombe (50) of Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption (SARACO) in connection with allegations of Fraud and extortion.
“The suspect approached Martha Mutamburi of Mikando Housing Development Trust in October 2024 and posed as a member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police and an anti-corruption official. He offered to assist the complainant in a housing stands repossession case. The suspect demanded US$5 000 but was given US$1 000,” reads a joint statement by the police national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi and Zacc spokesperson, Ms Simiso Mlevu.
According to the statement, a joint sting operation was then conducted by Zacc and ZRP, leading to the suspect’s arrest after he received US$200 from the complainant.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission reiterate that the law will take decisive action against any criminal elements who extort or defraud the public while falsely claiming to be members or officials of the two institutions, and urges the public to report all acts of corruption,” reads the statement.
Londile Moyo