Several suspects posing as Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) officials have been arrested following an investigation by Matrix Private Detectives, after a couple was allegedly swindled out of hundreds of United States dollars in a sophisticated fraud scheme.

According to one of the victims, the incident began about two weeks ago at VID Eastlea, where he had accompanied his wife to sit for a Class 4 driver’s licence test. After failing the practical examination earlier in the day, the couple was approached in the parking area by a man who identified himself as “Munashe.” The man claimed he had been sent by an examiner and suggested that the failure was due to a minor issue that could be “fixed” for a fee.

The couple later spoke to another individual over the phone who claimed to be a VID examiner and demanded USD150 to facilitate the issuing of the licence. After initial hesitation, the couple agreed. The suspect later appeared in full VID uniform and instructed them to make the payment via EcoCash, assuring them the licence would be processed immediately.

The victims waited for several hours without success. The suspects then demanded an additional USD100, claiming more officials needed to be bribed. After the payment was made, the suspects continued to delay, offering various excuses including shortages of licence paper and administrative issues at the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR).

Communication continued through anonymous phone numbers, with the suspects requesting personal details, including passport-sized photographs, national ID details and a learner’s licence number. The complainant was later instructed to meet the suspects at a fuel station in Harare’s city centre, where he was persuaded to get into their vehicle.

Once inside, he was handcuffed by the suspects, who falsely claimed to be officers from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. They allegedly demanded between USD1 000 and USD3 000 to avoid arrest. After negotiations, the suspects accepted USD600, which included money brought by the victim’s wife.

Despite this, the suspects continued to extort the couple, later demanding USD120 to “unblock” the licence from the system, alleging it had been flagged due to corruption. A poorly edited, computer-generated licence with incorrect personal details was later sent to the victim.

Further demands for USD80 to correct the errors were rejected, and when the couple requested the return of the provisional licence, they were told additional payment was required.

Matrix Private Detectives confirmed the arrest of the suspects, who are now facing charges related to fraud, impersonation of public officials and extortion. Investigations are ongoing.

By Varaidzo Matope

An inmate escaped from Harare Central Prison after driving away in a motor vehicle he was repairing at the prison workshops, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has confirmed.

The incident occurred at the Harare Central Prison Workshops, where the inmate was attached under a motor mechanics vocational training programme. The initiative forms part of ZPCS rehabilitation efforts aimed at equipping offenders with practical skills to support their reintegration into society.

ZPCS said investigations are currently underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the escape, and the matter has since been reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police for further action.

While acknowledging the incident as regrettable, ZPCS stressed that such cases are rare and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a secure correctional environment while continuing rehabilitation programmes. The service added that security measures are being strengthened to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and to avoid approaching the escapee if sighted. Anyone with information that may assist in his recapture is advised to immediately contact the nearest police station or ZPCS on 0242 706501 or 0242 762724.

Authorities say efforts to locate and apprehend the inmate are ongoing as they work to safeguard public safety.

Johane Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika Apostolic Sect leader, Ishmael Chokurongerwa who was recently found guilty of s@xually assaulting a young girl within his congregation at Lily Farm, Nyabira has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.

While sentencing the clergyman, Harare Magistrate Estere Chivasa noted that the victim was a vulnerable child.

She emphasized that as a leader of the Apostolic Sect, Chokurongerwa had direct access to the minor, and while church leaders are expected to provide guidance and lead by example, he did the exact opposite.

Magistrate Chivasa also noted that Chokurongerwa had a previous conviction suggesting he is not a law-abiding citizen even though that prior offense was unrelated to the current s@xual abuse charge.

The State proved that the abuse took place over a period stretching from February 2023 to March 2024.

The victim gave birth to a baby girl in January 2024 and DNA tests confirmed Chokurongerwa as the biological father.

Authorities intervened in March 2024 after a tip-off led them to rescue the victim from a supposed “safe house” located in Mufakose.