A rogue police officer who falsely declared himself the new Police Commissioner-General last year and issued controversial directives on social media has been acquitted on grounds of mental illness.
Simbarashe Mandizvidza (35) was facing three charges: causing disaffection among members of the police or defence forces, fraudulently procuring the use of a police motor vehicle, and transmitting false data with intent to cause harm.
Mandizvidza, who was stationed at the Police General Headquarters’ Salaries Services Bureau Liaison Office, was found not guilty due to mental health issues.
In his ruling, Harare provincial magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe said two medical doctors had confirmed that Mandizvidza was suffering from a mental disorder and was not in proper mental health at the time of the offences. The magistrate ordered that he be returned to Chikurubi Maximum Psychiatric Hospital to continue receiving treatment for his safety and that of the public.
The State alleged that last year Mandizvidza recorded a video at his official residence at ZRP Hatfield Police Camp using a Canon 250D camera, in which he falsely declared himself the new Commissioner-General. He also ordered the suspension of all traffic section duties and directed that all Chinese nationals and businesspeople leave the country within 48 hours.
The video was later uploaded to a YouTube channel, Gondo Harishaye, making it publicly accessible.
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The court heard that his actions were intended to cause disaffection within the police force, create panic among foreign nationals, and inflict economic harm on Zimbabwe.
On the same day, Mandizvidza allegedly approached Chief Inspector Fidios Chiteure, the Officer-in-Charge of the Police General Headquarters Pay and Records Section, claiming he had been instructed by a Commissioner Makomo to use a police Ford Ranger for errands. Believing the claim, the officer authorised the release of the vehicle.
Mandizvidza then drove the Ford Ranger to Waerera Village under Chief Masembura in Bindura, where it was later recovered.
The State further alleged that he had no lawful authority to obtain or use the vehicle under false pretences.
He also reportedly uploaded a second video to his YouTube channel in which he again falsely declared himself head of the ZRP, despite Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba being the legitimate head of the police force.
Prosecutors argued that his conduct further incited disaffection within the police service and violated laws governing information and communication systems, while also damaging Zimbabwe’s reputation and economy.