A CHITUNGWIZA man accused of masquerading as a police officer and kidnapping a former subordinate over alleged links to Zanu PF security contracts has been remanded in custody.
Simbarashe Rondozai appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, facing a kidnapping charge.
The State alleges that in May last year, Rondozai and accomplices, who are still at large, went to the complainant’s residence in Chitungwiza and falsely identified themselves as members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The complainant’s brother, who overheard the conversation, approached the group to inquire about their mission. Rondozai allegedly told him that they intended to arrest the complainant for an unspecified offence.
Court papers state that the complainant was forcibly bundled into a Honda Fit.
While inside the vehicle, the complainant identified Rondozai as his former manager at Real Star Security Company. He was allegedly assaulted, handcuffed and blindfolded before being driven to an unknown location.
The State further alleges that Rondozai threatened the complainant with death if he reported the matter to the police or implicate anyone.
Prosecutors say the accused demanded information on how Real Star Security protected its top management, how it secured government contracts and how the company’s chief executive, Cashington Mavhunduke, was linked to Zanu PF leadership.
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It is also alleged that Rondozai drove the complainant to a site he claimed was where pro-democracy activist Itai Dzamara was killed, warning him that he would suffer the same fate if he defied orders.
According to court papers, Rondozai later dumped the complainant near Manyame River Bridge along the New Chitungwiza Road before speeding off.
Fearing for his life, the complainant fled to South Africa in June, where he remained in hiding until December last year.
The matter was reported to police on January 17 this year, leading to Rondozai’s arrest.
