Harare regional magistrate Clever Tsikwa on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, fined a man US$300 for his involvement in the violent and brazen assault of Detective Superintendent Alexander Jachi, the head of the CID Officer in Harare
The convicted man, Sydney Rande, was found guilty of assault stemming from a dramatic and dangerous incident that occurred on 30 September 2023, during which Detective Supt Jachi was ambushed, assaulted, and robbed. The incident also led to the theft of the senior officer’s service pistol and US$140 in cash.
Despite the severity of the attack and its implications for law enforcement, Rande was spared jail time. Magistrate Tsikwa initially sentenced him to 12 months imprisonment, but the sentence was wholly suspended on condition that Rande pays a US$300 fine.Three co-accused — Munyaradzi Chatonzwa, Mark Tatenda Chingombe, and Simbarashe Steven Ota — were acquitted of all charges after the court found insufficient evidence linking them directly to the assault and robbery.
According to the court proceedings, Det Supt Jachi was driving his gold Toyota Fortuner from Highfield to Chitungwiza when he noticed he was being followed by two suspicious vehicles: a silver VW Polo and a red Honda Fit. Growing uneasy, he continued driving but became increasingly alarmed when the red Honda Fit blocked his path near Mbuya Dorcas Hospital.
Fearing for his safety, the detective made a sudden turn into Jongwe Corner, a well-known public spot in Harare, and parked his vehicle. It was there that Sydney Rande and Munyaradzi Chatonzwa approached him in a threatening manner.
In a bid to scare off his pursuers, Jachi fired a warning shot into the air using his 9mm Taurus service pistol. However, this did little to deter the advancing group. Chatonzwa continued to charge, prompting the officer to shoot him in the left leg in self-defense.
Man Fined US$300 for Brutal Attack on Top CID Officer in Harare
Despite being shot, Chatonzwa managed to strike Det Supt Jachi with a blunt object, knocking him to the ground. It was at this moment that the rest of the group allegedly joined in the assault, repeatedly beating the senior officer until he lost consciousness.
Eyewitnesses testified that during the frenzied attack, Det Supt Jachi’s wallet, containing US$140, personal identification documents, and his service firearm, were stolen. The assailants also deflated the tyres of his vehicle before fleeing the scene.
Several bystanders who attempted to intervene were themselves threatened and assaulted, forcing them to retreat as the attackers continued their rampage.
Later investigations led to the partial recovery of the stolen items from one of the accused, Chatonzwa, including some ID documents. However, the service pistol remains missing, raising serious concerns over the circulation of an unaccounted-for firearm.
The case has drawn mixed reactions from the public and legal circles, with many expressing shock at the leniency of the sentence handed to Rande. The fact that the assault was committed against a high-ranking law enforcement officer, and involved the theft of a state-issued weapon, led many to believe a custodial sentence was inevitable.
“This was not a simple assault. It was a coordinated, violent attack on a detective who was simply going about his day. The implications for law and order are serious,” said a Harare-based legal analyst who requested anonymity.Others have questioned whether the fine — equivalent to roughly ZWL$3,800 at the current rate — sends the right message in terms of deterrence.
“The public needs to feel that there are real consequences for attacking police officers or anyone else. A US$300 fine for such a brutal incident sets a worrying precedent,” said one resident of Chitungwiza.
The attack on Detective Supt Jachi has sparked renewed calls for better protection of law enforcement officers in Zimbabwe. With rising reports of public hostility and bold attacks against security personnel, stakeholders are urging the government to reassess policies surrounding the safety of officers in the field.
While Det Supt Jachi has reportedly returned to work, the trauma of the incident lingers. The missing service firearm also continues to be a point of concern for the police, who fear it may be used in future crimes.
As Sydney Rande walks free after paying his fine, authorities now face the pressing task of ensuring that justice is not only done—but seen to be done, especially in cases involving the safety and dignity of officers sworn to protect the public.
