Masvingo policewoman accused of interfering in attempted child abduction probe

Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission intervenes in Masvingo case

MASVINGO — A policewoman based in Masvingo faces allegations of interfering with an investigation into an attempted abduction after her husband and four alleged accomplices were accused of trying to kidnap a 10‑year‑old boy at Yeukai Business Centre on Sunday. The child’s mother, Sarah Fararira, has sought assistance from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), raising concerns that the officer’s involvement has compromised the integrity of the inquiry.

Alleged abduction and community response

According to the State, five suspects, three men and two women, arrived at the shopping centre in a vehicle without number plates and seized the boy while he and other children were playing. When one child screamed, the boy’s mother, a vendor at the centre, ran to intervene. The suspects initially told bystanders they were taking the child to his mother, then changed their story to say he was being taken to his father. Attempts to flee were thwarted by members of the public.

Witnesses say the policewoman, who is married to one of the suspects, emerged from a nearby shop and urged the crowd to disperse, asserting the suspects were merely intoxicated. That intervention prompted immediate concern from the complainant and observers who feared the officer’s actions were intended to shield relatives from arrest.

Arrests and court proceedings

Two suspects, aged 35 and 33, appeared before Magistrate Caroline Tafira Nyoni and were remanded in custody pending a bail hearing scheduled for tomorrow. Their identities have been withheld to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations. Reports indicate one suspect is a resident in South Africa, while the other lives in the ZBS area of Mucheke, Masvingo.

The State alleges that on 15 February 2026, the suspects forced the child into a white Toyota Prado with no displayed number plates, unlawfully depriving him of his liberty. State prosecutor Lyton Katsidzire told the court that strong evidence and eyewitness testimony support continued detention.

ZHRC intervention and investigative concerns

ZHRC lawyers have expressed dissatisfaction with the police response and have directed that fresh witness statements be taken. They also called for additional key witnesses to be included in the investigation after alleging omissions in the initial inquiries. The commission’s involvement signals concern about potential conflicts of interest and the need for independent oversight.

Magistrate Nyoni ordered the two accused to remain on remand until the bail application at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. Meanwhile, investigators are expected to follow up on witness statements, examine the vehicle and any available CCTV or forensic evidence, and determine whether the policewoman’s conduct warrants disciplinary or criminal inquiry.

Masvingo policewoman interference child abduction