Ex-Municipal Cop Caught Pants DownCorrespondent-The City of Harare has warned motorists and residents to be vigilant following the exposure of a former municipal police officer who is allegedly extorting money from motorists and members of the public in and around the central business district (CBD).
City officials said the suspect, identified as Farai G. Garachani, is a former Harare Metropolitan Police patrolman who was dismissed earlier this year for extortion-related misconduct. Despite his dismissal, Garachani is reportedly operating in the CBD, masquerading as a parking attendant and unlawfully demanding money from motorists.problem in Harare, where criminal gangs are impersonating law-enforcement officers—including bogus municipal police and, in some cases, fake members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)—to extort motorists, particularly during peak traffic hours and at busy parking bays.
In recent years, the ZRP has repeatedly cautioned the public about impostors conducting illegal roadblocks or demanding spot fines in the CBD and surrounding areas, warning that only properly identified officers operating at authorised points are permitted to enforce traffic regulations. Several suspects posing as police officers have been arrested in Harare on charges ranging from impersonation to extortion and robbery.
The City of Harare said it has alerted relevant law-enforcement agencies, and efforts are underway to locate, arrest and prosecute Garachani and any accomplices linked to the alleged extortion racket.
“It has come to our attention that there is a gang of criminals masquerading as municipal police officers, threatening and harassing residents and motorists,” the City said in a statement. “Authorities have been alerted with a view to arresting and prosecuting the suspects.”
Residents and motorists who may have fallen victim to Garachani or similar impostors are urged to report the incidents immediately to the nearest
police station and to the City of Harare’s municipal authorities.“All legitimate municipal police officers must be in full uniform and be able to properly identify themselves at all times,” the City said, urging motorists not to pay money to anyone who cannot produce valid identification or official documentation.
