Rogue Cop Stuns Harare: Officer Steals Police Vehicle, Declares Himself “In Charge”

Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza (image source)

Harare police have confirmed the arrest of Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza, the officer who shocked the nation this week after allegedly stealing a marked police vehicle, disappearing for days, and declaring himself the new head of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).

Mandizvidza, who was stationed at the Police General Headquarters (PGHQ), was apprehended late Tuesday night in Mashonaland Central after a nationwide manhunt that gripped both law enforcement and the public. The arrest followed a tip-off from members of the public who spotted the stolen Ford Ranger in a rural area outside Bindura.

According to an internal ZRP memo dated August 13 and circulated to all stations in Mashonaland East, Mandizvidza had been temporarily assigned custody of the Ford Ranger (registration ZRP 033) by a senior officer. Instead of returning the vehicle, he absconded, prompting police chiefs to order all stations to be on high alert. Things escalated quickly when Mandizvidza began posting inflammatory statements online, claiming he had “taken over” the ZRP and issuing an extraordinary ultimatum ordering all Chinese nationals to leave Zimbabwe within 48 hours. The remarks, laced with xenophobic undertones, sparked widespread condemnation from citizens, diplomats, and human rights observers.

Social media platforms buzzed with disbelief and outrage. While some dismissed his statements as the ramblings of a rogue officer, others worried about the implications of such rhetoric at a time when Zimbabwe’s economic survival is closely tied to Chinese investment, particularly in mining and infrastructure.“This kind of reckless talk can’t be brushed aside as a joke,” said political analyst Eldred Masunungure. “It has the potential to inflame diplomatic tensions and embolden extremist sentiments.”

Police sources told online news sources that Mandizvidza attempted to evade capture by moving through remote farming areas, avoiding main roads, and occasionally switching off his mobile devices. However, a villager in Bindura District recognised both the officer and the marked vehicle, alerting local authorities.

Mashonaland Central police, working with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), cornered him in the early evening. Witnesses said Mandizvidza appeared disoriented but did not resist arrest. He was immediately taken into custody at CID Bindura before being transferred under heavy guard to Harare. ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, stating:“The Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes to inform the public that Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza has been apprehended. The stolen vehicle has been recovered, and investigations are ongoing. The ZRP will ensure that the law takes its full course.”

Mandizvidza is expected to face multiple charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, criminal abuse of office, and possibly incitement to public disorder. Legal experts say the xenophobic nature of his public statements could see additional charges related to hate speech or threats to national security.If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence and dismissal from the force without benefits. The bizarre episode has reignited public debate about discipline, morale, and leadership within the ZRP. Low salaries, poor working conditions, and corruption scandals have plagued the force for years, leading some officers to become involved in petty crime and others in more audacious acts.“This case is extreme, but it’s not isolated,” said a retired superintendent who requested anonymity. “There’s a growing frustration in the ranks, and without reforms, we may see more officers stepping out of line.”

Ordinary Zimbabweans expressed both shock and dark humour at the incident. Memes mocking the “self-appointed police chief” circulated widely, while others called for a serious inquiry into how a senior officer could commandeer an official vehicle without immediate interception.“Only in Zimbabwe could you have a police officer stealing a police car to overthrow the police,” one Harare commuter quipped.

Mandizvidza is set to appear before the Harare Magistrates’ Court later this week. The ZRP leadership has promised a full statement after the initial court hearing and reiterated its commitment to restoring public trust.