Proprietors of mines and other business entities in Kadoma have lodged a formal complaint against Detective Sergeant Hardline Maisiri, accusing him of extorting “protection fees” from local businesses. The complaint was filed in a letter addressed to the Officer Commanding Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters on September 9, 2024, by the Kadoma Business Association (KBA).
In their letter, the KBA expressed grave concerns about the alleged corrupt practices of Detective Sergeant Maisiri, who is currently attached to CID Property in Kadoma and previously served in the CID Minerals unit. Edwin Vandira, KBA Secretary, detailed the accusations, noting that Maisiri had engaged in corrupt activities, particularly targeting those in the mining sector for extortion.
The KBA claims that Maisiri previously misrepresented himself as an intermediary for the Officer Commanding ZRP Kadoma District. This alleged pretense reportedly pressured business operators into compliance out of fear of potential reprisals. The letter stresses the negative impact of Maisiri’s actions on the reputation and standing of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
“Many affected members of the business community are prepared to come forward and provide evidence of these activities,” Vandira wrote. However, he noted that there is significant fear among business owners that if Maisiri remains in Kadoma, he may retaliate by fabricating charges against them to deter them from reporting his misconduct.
To address these concerns, the KBA is calling for Maisiri’s immediate transfer from Kadoma. The business community believes that relocating Maisiri would allow for an unbiased investigation into the allegations and encourage more victims to report their experiences without fear of retribution.
The letter emphasizes that removing Maisiri from Kadoma would enhance the ZRP’s credibility and reinforce public trust in the police force’s commitment to integrity and impartiality. The KBA argues that Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga’s action against corruption within his ranks would bolster confidence among the business community and the general public.
The complaint underscores the critical nature of the issue for maintaining a stable and secure business environment in Kadoma, a city known for its gold mines and the challenges posed by illegal mining activities, including the notorious “Makorokoza” or scavenger miners. Attempts to obtain a comment from ZRP national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, were unsuccessful at the time of publishing. The outcome of this complaint could potentially influence the business climate in Kadoma and reflect on the ZRP’s commitment to tackling corruption within its ranks.
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An urgent call for government action has been issued following an outbreak of elephantiasis in Mashonaland West province, Zimbabwe. The parasitic disease, which affects the lymphatic system and is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, has been reported in Kariba and Mhondoro Ngezi.
The outbreak was initially detected when several pupils in rural Kariba exhibited symptoms of the disease. Kariba legislator Shine Gwangwava reported that tests revealed about 21 affected students. Read More
