By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a strong warning to individuals and organizations falsely claiming affiliation with law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, including the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
In a statement released on Thursday, 10 July, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi expressed concern over reports of unsolicited visits and communications from civic groups and trusts purportedly engaged in anti-corruption efforts.
He emphasized that some of these groups are led by individuals of “questionable character” who are misrepresenting themselves as officially sanctioned watchdogs.
Commissioner Nyathi highlighted a recent alert from ZACC, which publicly named 15 entities fraudulently claiming to represent the commission. These actions are part of a broader effort to combat the rising trend of rogue activism and unauthorized investigations that threaten the integrity of official anti-corruption initiatives.
This warning from the police comes in the wake of a recent security breach in Beitbridge, where a team of anti-smuggling personnel apprehended three men posing as members of the anti-smuggling unit.
The trio had mounted illegal roadblocks and terrorized unsuspecting motorists, causing concern about the increasing prevalence of imposters operating under false pretenses.
“The law will take its course on anyone conducting operations or activities under the false guise of being aligned to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission or Zimbabwe Republic Police,” Nyathi warned.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior related to such entities. Reports can be made to the National Complaints Desk via landline at (0242) 703631 or through WhatsApp at 0712 800197.