Fake Traffic Police Officers on the Loose in Manicaland

Three suspected armed robbers, posing as traffic police officers, are allegedly targeting motorists—especially those operating delivery trucks—in Manicaland.

Dressed in traffic police uniforms, the suspects have been setting up unauthorized roadblocks along key highways in the region.

Last month, they carried out two robberies in a single day, one along the Nyazura-Chivhu Highway and another on the Rusape-Nyanga Highway.

In broad daylight, they intercepted a Kitoko Brandy delivery truck at an illegal checkpoint, making away with cash amounting to US$3,285 and various valuables. Later that night, they struck again, this time robbing a Parnmart delivery truck and escaping with US$1,115 in cash along with mobile phones.

Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the acting provincial police spokesperson for Manicaland, confirmed the incidents. He explained that the robbers trick motorists into stopping by impersonating traffic police officers, taking advantage of their uniforms to gain credibility. Once the victims comply, the criminals attack, overpower them, and lock them inside their own trucks’ loading compartments.

One of the robbery victims, Kitoko Brandy director Mattaparthi Sirinivas Rso, along with his driver, Shorai Nyakufuka (42), fell prey to the criminals along the Nyazura-Chivhu Highway.

According to police reports, on February 22, Rso, based in Southerton, Harare, was traveling with Nyakufuka, an Eastview, Harare resident employed as a driver. They were transporting goods in a DAF truck when they encountered the fake officers around the 122km peg at approximately 11 AM.

The suspects, wearing police traffic uniforms, signaled them to stop. Believing it was a routine inspection, Nyakufuka pulled over. One of the men approached and asked to inspect the truck’s cargo area.

When Nyakufuka stepped out and opened the loading compartment, the suspect insisted that he step inside to show the contents. Sensing something was amiss, Nyakufuka refused, leading to a confrontation. The suspect then assaulted him repeatedly before producing a machete. They tied Nyakufuka’s hands using his own shoelaces and forced him inside the truck’s loading area.

Meanwhile, another suspect engaged Rso, pretending to check his permit documents. Instead of verifying them, the criminal abruptly handcuffed Rso, cut the truck’s seat belts, and forced him into the loading area alongside Nyakufuka.

Once inside, the robbers searched the victims, taking US$3,285 in cash, the truck’s keys, a power bank, a brown satchel, and earphones before locking them inside and fleeing.

The victims later called for help, and a passerby came to their rescue. They reported the incident to ZRP Buhera, which responded to the scene. The total value of stolen goods was estimated at US$3,684.

The suspects remain at large, and investigations are ongoing.