The City of Harare has warned motorists and residents of a surge in bogus municipal police officers operating in the central business district (CBD), following the arrest of a former city officer allegedly involved in an extortion racket.
The warning comes after the apprehension of Farai Garachani, a former Harare Metropolitan Police patrolman, who was reportedly caught posing as a parking attendant while extorting money from motorists in the CBD.
According to the city council, criminal gangs have increasingly been masquerading as municipal police officers and parking attendants, targeting unsuspecting motorists. In some cases, the suspects allegedly force their way into vehicles and instruct drivers to proceed to council offices under the pretext of paying a fine. Victims are then robbed while en route.
In a statement, the City of Harare confirmed that Garachani had been dismissed earlier this year for similar extortion-related offences and warned residents about the activities of his alleged associates.
“A rogue element causing mayhem in the Harare CBD, pretending to be a parking attendant and extorting money from residents, has been unmasked,” the statement said.
The council added that there was a gang of criminals masquerading as municipal police officers, threatening and harassing members of the public. Authorities have since been alerted, with a view to arresting and prosecuting all those involved.
The City of Harare urged anyone who may have fallen victim to the scam to immediately report the matter to the police and municipal authorities, while commending residents who have helped expose the criminal activities.
The council also called on the public to remain vigilant, stressing that all legitimate municipal police officers must be in uniform and properly identify themselves at all times.
