THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) on Friday released names of various civilians suspected of impersonating soldiers and the police force committing crimes in the process as the scourge of bogus military and police detail continues to soar.
ZNA warned the public not to deal with rogue elements they suspect to be bogus soldiers.
“ZNA is greatly concerned over the increasing number of civilians arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and Zimbabwe Military Police (ZMP) officers for impersonating military members for purposes of fleecing money from unsuspecting ordinary people,” ZNA Army Director Communications, Col Alphios Makotore said in a statement.
“The bogus soldiers are using stolen and fake military identity cards. These alleged criminals also use stolen military uniforms to dupe and rob people of their property and money.”
Some of the suspects were named.
“Those who have been arrested include… Wiseman Makombe of Tafara in Harare, Priviledge Mapfumo of Tynwald South in Harare, Bornface Chinhano of Glenwood Park in Harare, Tafadzwa Mukuze of Mutare, Learnmore Ngwenyaya of Kuwadzana in Harare, Ngonidzashe Samuel Mapfumo of Harare and Bornface Muzambe Mashingaidze of Rujeko Township in Chinhoyi,” added Makotore.
“The public is therefore warned to be alert to avoid being conned by bogus soldiers on the prowl.
“The ZNA would like to strongly warn the public to desist from dealing with anyone they suspect to be a bogus soldier. The Criminal Law and Codification Act, Chapter 9:23, Section 179, states that impersonating a police officer, peace officer, or public official is an offence.
The public has been urged to report anyone unnecessarily flashing their military identity card or possessing military uniforms to the nearest police station.
“The public can also effect a citizen’s arrest. Reports can also be made to the Zimbabwe Military Police using the following hotlines; 0712 842 318 and 0777 258 410.”
