A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer has appeared before the Harare Regional Magistrates’ Court on charges of criminal abuse of office after he allegedly sold more than 30 sets of police uniforms — a grave breach of police discipline and state property laws.
The accused, Muteswa Shamain Dzingai, who is employed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, was brought before Regional Magistrate Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa on Monday. Dzingai faces allegations that he illegally supplied official police uniforms to another officer for resale, in a scheme that prosecutors say undermines both the integrity of the police service and national security.
He was granted US$200 bail and remanded to November 25, pending the completion of investigations. The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, represented by Mr. Christopher Lloyd Tarenyika, is cited as the complainant in the matter.
According to the State’s case, led by prosecutor Mr. Rufaro Chonzi, the alleged offence took place in early September 2025. It is alleged that another officer, Justice Chasiya, who is stationed at the Police Band, approached Dzingai requesting assistance in sourcing police uniforms. Chasiya reportedly requested 40 pairs of riot trousers, 50 Special Tactics Unit (STU) caps, and 20 grey shirts — all of which are standard-issue items reserved strictly for serving members of the ZRP.
Investigators allege that Dzingai agreed to the request and supplied the uniforms to Chasiya, who in turn paid US$1,000 for the consignment. The uniforms were then reportedly resold to other police officers and possibly to individuals outside the force.
The transaction, prosecutors said, was not only unauthorised but also illegal, as all police uniforms are classified as state property and cannot be traded or distributed without the express approval of the ZRP’s Quartermaster Department. The sale or possession of such items without authorisation is considered a serious security risk, as uniforms can be misused by criminals to impersonate law enforcement officers.
Mr. Chonzi told the court that Dzingai’s actions represented a clear case of criminal abuse of office, as he exploited his position as a public officer to engage in an unlawful transaction for personal gain. “The accused acted contrary to and inconsistent with his duties as a police officer entrusted with upholding the law,” the prosecutor said.
Police Officer in Court for Allegedly Selling Over 30 Police Uniforms
The matter reportedly came to light on October 23, 2025, after Chasiya was arrested on separate charges involving the illegal sale of police uniforms. During interrogation, Chasiya allegedly implicated Dzingai as the supplier, leading to his arrest and subsequent court appearance.
Police investigators have since launched an internal probe to determine the full extent of the illegal operation, including identifying how Dzingai accessed such a large quantity of uniforms and whether any other officers were involved. The investigation is also aimed at tracing the uniforms already sold, amid fears that some may have ended up in the hands of criminal syndicates.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has in recent years battled cases involving the unlawful sale or misuse of official uniforms and badges, which have occasionally been used by robbers and fraudsters to deceive the public. Analysts have warned that such acts erode public trust in the police and compromise citizen safety.
A senior police source speaking on condition of anonymity said: “Uniforms are not just clothing; they are symbols of authority and trust. When these items fall into the wrong hands, it puts both the public and legitimate officers at risk.”
The ZRP has since reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and misconduct within its ranks. Senior officers have been directed to tighten control measures at uniform stores, ensure that all issued items are properly logged, and conduct random inspections at police stations to prevent similar breaches.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also emphasized that the abuse of office by any public official will be dealt with severely. “Government property must be safeguarded at all times, and any misuse will attract both disciplinary and criminal sanctions,” a ministry official said.
Dzingai is expected to return to court in late November as investigations continue. Prosecutors are reportedly considering adding additional charges should evidence show that the illegal sale involved more officers or extended over a longer period.
The case has sparked renewed debate over accountability within law enforcement institutions and the need for stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent corruption and protect state assets.
For now, the ZRP says it remains committed to rooting out corruption and restoring confidence in the force. “No one is above the law — not even those sworn to uphold it,” a police spokesperson said.
The matter continues.
Source- Byo24
