The officer commanding police in Matabeleland North province Senior Assistant Commissioner Edmore Veterai has alleged there imposters claiming to be his friends soliciting favours or bribes from unsuspecting people.
Veterai’s remarks follow accusations in court that a former police officer, Tinashe Chikara, used his name to defraud a Victoria Falls Safari operator, Edmore Mukarakatirwa, of $6 000.
“Many people are going around claiming to be friends with Veterai. Some go to ask for land claiming to be Veterai’s friends and yet others go around receiving bribes using my name. That is criminal and those imposters should be exposed,” said Veterai.
“I am employed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and receive my salary, so there is no need for me to go around asking for bribes and bottles of whiskey.” Veterai called for anyone who was made to pay bribes or was forced to do “favours for someone claiming to be friends with Veterai or any senior official, to report to the police so that the culprits are arrested”.
Chikara allegedly further misrepresented to the safari operator that senior police officers who include, Commissioner Charles Mufandaedza, wanted $6 000 to assist him quell a dispute at his concessions.
The complainant became suspicious and made a police report.
Chikara was arrested after receiving part payment of $2 000 after a trap was set up inside Mukarakatirwa’s hotel room in Victoria Falls.
