Police in Masvingo on Wednesday briefly detained journalists from Masvingo Mirror on allegations of unlawful entry onto property owned by Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Ezra Chadzamira, before widening investigations to include claims that a vehicle belonging to the publication may have been used in a series of armed robberies.

Following the arrest, Officer-in-Charge of the Criminal Investigations Department, Edwin Masiiwa, instructed Masvingo Mirror accountant Mr Tinashe Koga to hand over the logbook of the organisation’s Toyota Aqua for authentication.

Mr Masiiwa, accompanied by Masvingo Mirror editor Mr Garikai Mafirakureva, news editor Mr Simbarashe Mtembo, Mr Koga and another police officer, proceeded to the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA), where officials confirmed that the vehicle was legally registered and fully compliant with statutory requirements.

Sources close to the matter alleged that Minister Chadzamira’s private security personnel, who were reportedly masquerading as Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operatives, exerted pressure on law-enforcement agencies to act against the journalists and confiscate the vehicle.

Mr Masiiwa indicated that police are pursuing investigations into a Toyota Aqua believed to have been involved in several armed robberies committed in Masvingo between 14 November and 4 December 2025. One of the incidents involved the theft of US$900 from Gain Cash and Carry. The suspect vehicle was reportedly captured on CCTV footage without number plates.

Commenting on the developments, Masvingo Mirror consultant Mr Matthew Takaona cautioned security sector leadership against allowing their institutions to be manipulated by influential individuals for personal disputes.

He said it was deeply concerning for a provincial minister to assume authority over national security bodies, warning that such conduct undermines institutional integrity and poses a threat to public order.

Mr Takaona stressed that journalists have a constitutional duty to report on issues of public interest, including the ongoing land dispute involving Minister Chadzamira and businessman Mr Farai Mutsetse, without intimidation or interference.

He added that Masvingo Mirror would not be cowed by individuals allegedly impersonating police and intelligence officers, emphasising the publication’s respect for legitimate security agencies and rejection of abuse of authority.

National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he was yet to receive a full briefing on the matter, while Minister Chadzamira did not respond to requests for comment.

According to court documents, the journalists were arrested at Plot Number 1, Flesk, in the Morningside area while investigating reported water pipe bursts on Masvingo City’s main supply line. The damage was allegedly linked to construction work at a school being built on an 8.5-hectare property owned by Mutsetse Family Enterprise.

It is alleged that upon noticing the journalists at the site, Minister Chadzamira directed police and CIO personnel to apprehend them.

Two vehicles later arrived at the scene — one transporting nine CID officers, including one armed with an AK-47 rifle, and another carrying seven alleged CIO operatives. The journalists were subsequently accused of trespassing.

Reports further state that an unidentified man, accompanied by CIO operative Chenaimoyo Dandanyika and claiming intelligence affiliation, obstructed the journalists’ vehicle, verbally harassed them and issued threats of violence.

Mr Dandanyika allegedly declined to identify the man, while a CIO source later distanced the organisation from him and advised the journalists to lodge a formal police report.

The journalists were taken to Masvingo Central Police Station, where they were held for approximately three hours before being released without charge.