By 
Two members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as public officers.
The accused, Rudo Chirengendure (28) and Nyasha Michael Mupandira (34), both stationed in Harare, are alleged to have committed the offense as defined under Section 174(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
The charges originate from an incident that reportedly occurred on April 18, 2025.
At the time, the two accused officers were deployed at the Parkade rank, situated at the intersection of Nelson Mandela Avenue and Rezende Street in the central business district of Harare. Their duties at this location included the apprehension of illegal money changers, touts, and vendors.
According to the state’s allegations, while executing their official duties on the aforementioned date, the accused were captured on video receiving an illicit payment from a member of the public.
This footage, which has since widely circulated on social media platforms, further shows the accused officers removing handcuffs from a female suspect and unlawfully releasing her without following due process.
The State has asserted that the conduct of Chirengendure and Mupandira constitutes a serious violation of their responsibilities as public officers.
Consequently, the prosecution has requested that both accused individuals be remanded in custody pending further investigations and the continuation of court proceedings.
The duo is scheduled to reappear in court on April 28, 2025, for a bail ruling.
Comments