Bogus cop nabbed over cell theft

Danisa Masuku
A MAN wearing a police uniform has been arrested after he allegedly entered a shop and snatched two cellphones before taking to his heels.

The owner of the shop, Tonderayi Mureya, narrated how the whole incident happened.

“It was during lunchtime while I was just sitting at the shop. Robert Chareramambo who was putting on a Zimbabwe Republic Police uniform entered my shop. He asked to see a Huawei G8 cellphone. I gave it to him. He further requested to see a Huawei GR5 cellphone and indicated that he wanted to buy the two cellphones,” said Mureya.

Mureya said while he was serving another customer Robert bolted out of the shop with the two cellphones.

A source close to investigations said Mureya pursued him and good Samaritans joined forces in chasing after the fake police officer.

“Mureya and other people joined in chasing after the fake police officer who was running away with two stolen cellphones. They caught up with him near a bank which is situated along Leopold Takawira Avenue between Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo and Fort Street,” said the source.

People bashed the fake police officer and took him to Bulawayo Central Police Station.

After police officers questioned him he revealed that he was a not a police officer and apologised.

A docket of theft and unlawful wearing of police uniform was opened against him.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident: “I can confirm that we arrested a man who impersonated a police officer and stole two cellphones.”

Insp Ncube thanked members of the public for joining hands in apprehending the fake police officer.

“We would like to thank members of the public in helping to apprehend the suspect but I would like to urge them to refrain from the habit of taking the law into their hands after they effect a citizen’s arrest,” he said.

This case follows hard on the heels of a man who impersonated a police officer and robbed a banana vendor of his hard-earned cash.

Tariro Chigwedu (27) who impersonated a police officer bumped into Talent Mabanjira on 6 January this year while he was selling bananas at TM Hyper and demanded cash while claiming to be a police officer.

He gave him a US$1, on the second occasion he gave him $100. But when Taririo went back for the third time, Talent, with the help of members of the public, captured him and took him to a police station.

Tredgold magistrate Stephen Ndlovu convicted him and sentenced him for two counts of impersonation.

He was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison with eight months suspended on condition of good behaviour. He is serving 40 months behind bars.

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