Harare Man Jailed for Posing as Cop to Extort Grieving Family

A 47-year-old from Harare’s Budiriro neighborhood, Shephered Mangoma, has been arrested for impersonating a police officer in a plot to deceive a family mourning their loss.

The family of Darlington Tendai Mapiki, who died on October 27, 2024, was the target of this cruel deception.

Mangoma allegedly extorted $500 from the family under the guise of providing closure regarding Mapiki’s death, which was officially ruled a suicide.

The family, unconvinced by the post-mortem results, appeared on a radio show to voice their doubts about the circumstances of Mapiki’s death.

They publicly questioned the suicide verdict, suspecting instead that foul play was involved in Mapiki’s demise.

On December 9, 2024, Mangoma approached the family, posing as a detective from CID Homicide, Harare, with claims of possessing key information.

He demanded $500 from the family, promising to orchestrate the arrest of individuals he claimed were responsible for Mapiki’s murder.

Mangoma suggested that a pathologist had been bribed to falsify the post-mortem results, involving five conspirators, including a businessman and a traditional healer.

The family, alert to the scam, reported the matter to the CID Police Anti-Corruption unit on December 18, 2024, leading to a sting operation.

In a calculated move, the family handed over $200 to Mangoma at Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, where he was promptly arrested by waiting officers.

Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, highlighting the exploitation of a family’s grief for personal gain.

This case underscores the lengths some will go to, preying on the vulnerable, offering false hope and promises for financial gain.

The police continue to investigate further connections and potential accomplices in this elaborate deception.

This incident not only sheds light on the issue of impersonation but also on the exploitation of those seeking justice for their loved ones.

Mangoma now faces legal consequences for his actions, which could deter others from similar fraudulent activities.

The family’s courage in reporting the scam has not only brought justice closer but also protected others from similar deceit.

This event serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance when dealing with sensitive personal matters.

The community and law enforcement remain on high alert for those who would manipulate such situations for profit.

The legal system in Harare will now proceed with the case, aiming to ensure that justice is served for both the deceased and his family.

This ordeal has left the Mapiki family still searching for truth and closure amidst their grief.