Harare Man Jailed Over Robbery, Kidnapping and Impersonation Scheme

HARARE —A 34-year-old Kuwadzana 6 resident has been sentenced to an effective seven-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted on charges of robbery, kidnapping, impersonating public officials and possessing dangerous drugs.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the convict operated with several accomplices who remain at large. The group allegedly used a white Toyota Hilux to carry out a series of crimes in Chegutu on January 26, 2026, while posing as police officers and officials from the City of Harare and the Ministry of Defence using counterfeit identity documents.

Prosecutors said the first victim was attacked at his residence, where the suspects assaulted and handcuffed him before taking US$1,500 in cash. The victim was then forced into the vehicle but later managed to escape and report the incident to authorities.

Later that day, the gang allegedly abducted a second victim and transported him through several locations before releasing him along the Harare–Bulawayo Road. His release followed the payment of a US$2,000 ransom by family members.

The suspects’ activities came to an end when police intercepted the Toyota Hilux at a roadblock near Norton. While the other occupants fled the scene, officers arrested the accused.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of counterfeit identification cards purportedly issued by the City of Harare, the Ministry of Defence and war veterans’ organisations. Police also found vehicle clamps, handcuffs and a baton.

The court handed down sentences on all counts, resulting in an effective jail term of seven years and six months.

The NPA said US$1,155 recovered during investigations will be distributed equally between the two complainants as restitution.

The court also ordered that vehicle clamps seized during the operation be returned to the City of Harare, while the handcuffs will be handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The recovered dagga and fake identity documents were forfeited to the State for destruction.