Man Arrested for Impersonating a CID Detective and Extorting Money From a Grieving Family Featured on Tete Tilder Radio Show
A 47-year-old man from Budiriro has been arrested for impersonating a detective and extorting money from a grieving family.
The family had recently appeared on Tilder Moyo’s Star FM program, “Tilder Live Show: Zvinoyera nezvinotyisa nezvinoda kufumurwa,” which aired on December 17, 2024, to contest the official ruling on their relative’s death.
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Police Confirm Arrest of Fake CID Detective
The Zimbabwe Republic Police released a statement confirming the arrest on their official X account.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of a bogus police officer, Shepherd Mangoma (47) of Budiriro, Harare for impersonation and extortion.
The arrest of the suspect follows the appearance of the late Darlington Tendai Mapiki’s family members on the Star FM programme, “Tilder Live Show, Zvinoyera nezvinotyisa nezvinoda kufumurwa,” where they raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the death of Darlington Tendai Mapiki on 27th October 2024 in Rugare.”
Family Seeks Justice for Darlington Mapiki
The incident revolves around the death of Darlington Tendai Mapiki, whose October 27, 2024, passing was ruled a suicide. His family, however, suspected foul play and went public on the Star FM show to voice their concerns.
The family disputed the post-mortem results, which indicated that Mapiki had committed suicide and suspected foul play instead.”
Suspect’s Deceptive Scheme
Shortly after the broadcast, Shepherd Mangoma approached the family, claiming to be a CID Homicide detective from Harare. He offered to provide vital information and assist in arresting those he claimed were responsible for Mapiki’s death. In return, he demanded $500, alleging the involvement of a businessman and a traditional healer in a ritual killing.
Mangoma further accused a pathologist of accepting bribes to manipulate the post-mortem results.
“The family members claimed that on 09th December 2024, they were approached by the suspect who posed as a detective stationed at CID Homicide, Harare.
The suspect allegedly claimed to have information concerning the death of Darlington Tendai Mapiki and demanded USD 500.00 from the family members to facilitate the arrest of the suspects linked to Darlington Tendai Mapiki’s death.
He alleged that the pathologist was bribed to manipulate the post-mortem results and that five people who include a businessman and traditional healer, were involved in Darlington Tendai Mapiki’s murder for ritual purposes.”
Police Sting Operation
The family reported Mangoma’s demands to the CID Anti-Corruption Unit, which organized a sting operation. On December 18, 2024, the suspect was arrested at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare after accepting $200 as part of the extortion attempt.
“On 18th December 2024, the family reported the matter at the CID Police Anti-Corruption unit, Harare leading to a trap being set.
The suspect was arrested at Rainbow Towers Hotel, Harare after being handed USD 200.00 by the family.”
Police Warn Public About Impersonators
In light of this incident, the ZRP has urged the public to remain alert and report individuals posing as police officers.
Commissioner Nyathi advised,
“Any suspicious activities or demands for cash should be immediately reported to the nearest police station, the National Complaints Desk, or via our WhatsApp line.”
Citizens can contact the ZRP through the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.
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The post Fake CID Detective Arrested for Extorting Money From a Grieving Family Featured on Radio Show appeared first on iHarare News.
