Fake VID Officers Arrested After Elaborate Bribery Scam

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.