Bogus detective syndicate exposed: Fake CID officers arrested for extortion
A fraudulent detective syndicate, posing as officers from CID drugs and narcotics, has been apprehended after a string of targeted extortion attempts. The group, consisting of Lloyd Rayeni Zvoma, Clemence Manyika, Slevester Chaire, Simbarashe Chiyangwa, Sydney Chikozho, and Felix Tagonera, appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo over the weekend and have been remanded in custody until their bail hearing tomorrow.
According to court proceedings, on January 18, the gang gathered and approached their intended victim, Tafadzwa Lovemore Mudzekenyedze, in a BMW. They falsely identified themselves as detectives from CID Drugs and officers from the President’s Office. Zvoma allegedly presented a forged ZRP identity card in the name of Constable Masaraure, while Chaire produced a counterfeit President’s Office identity card bearing Tendai Marakasa’s details.
Accusing Mudzekenyedze, a resident of Kuwadzana, of being a major drug supplier, the gang forcefully detained him and coerced him into his own vehicle, driving towards Harare CBD. They parked near Harare showgrounds and demanded a sum of US$1,000 for his release.
Meanwhile, genuine officers from CID drugs received a tip-off regarding the gang’s hostage situation. Acting swiftly, they located and apprehended the gang members. The police seized the fake identity cards, a pair of handcuffs, three GPS tracking devices, and a canister of pepper spray from the criminals. Additionally, two sachets of crystal meth were recovered from the gang during the operation.
Prosecutor Zebediah Bofu is handling the case, and the investigation is ongoing.
