A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer has appeared before the Harare Regional Magistrates’ Court facing charges of criminal abuse of office after he allegedly sold more than 30 sets of police uniforms — a serious violation of police discipline, ethics, and state property laws.
The accused, Muteswa Shamain Dzingai, who works under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, was brought before Regional Magistrate Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa on Monday. Prosecutors allege that Dzingai engaged in the illegal sale of police uniforms to another serving officer, who later resold them, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community.
Dzingai was granted US$200 bail and remanded to November 25 for further hearing, as investigations continue. The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, represented by Mr. Christopher Lloyd Tarenyika, is listed as the complainant in the matter.
According to State prosecutor Mr. Rufaro Chonzi, the alleged offence occurred around early September 2025. The court heard that another police officer, Justice Chasiya, stationed at the Police Band, approached Dzingai seeking help to acquire police uniforms. Chasiya allegedly requested 40 pairs of riot trousers, 50 Special Tactics Unit (STU) caps, and 20 grey shirts — all official garments exclusively issued to members of the ZRP.
Prosecutors allege that Dzingai agreed to supply the items and was paid US$1,000 for the consignment. It is further alleged that Chasiya went on to resell the uniforms to other officers, and possibly to civilians, in clear violation of internal regulations.
The State contends that Dzingai’s conduct amounted to a blatant abuse of office and a betrayal of the trust vested in him as a law enforcement officer. The sale of police uniforms without authorization is strictly prohibited, as such items are classified as state property. Their commercial trade, distribution, or possession without clearance from the Quartermaster Department is deemed illegal and a potential national security risk.
“The accused acted in a manner inconsistent with his duties as a public officer. Instead of upholding the law, he chose to break it for personal financial benefit,” said prosecutor Mr. Chonzi during the hearing.
ZRP Officer in Court for Allegedly Selling Over 30 Police Uniforms
The case reportedly came to light on October 23, 2025, when Chasiya was arrested for the illegal sale of uniforms. During questioning, he allegedly implicated Dzingai as the source of the items, leading to his subsequent arrest. Following this revelation, investigators launched a full internal inquiry into how Dzingai obtained the uniforms and whether the illicit practice extended to other police officers or supply departments.
Police sources said the probe aims to recover the uniforms already sold, amid growing fears that some could have been acquired by criminals posing as police officers. Over the years, the ZRP has recorded several incidents in which robbers or fraudsters have used police attire to deceive civilians, conduct fake roadblocks, or carry out illegal raids.
Security experts say such incidents threaten public confidence in law enforcement and undermine the authority of legitimate officers. “Police uniforms symbolize authority, trust, and protection. Once these are misused, it not only endangers the public but also compromises the credibility of the entire institution,” commented one security analyst.
In light of the case, the ZRP Command has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and any conduct that brings the organization into disrepute. Senior officers have reportedly been ordered to reinforce control systems governing the issuance and storage of official gear. All police stations and supply depots are now required to keep detailed inventory records, with random inspections expected to curb the unauthorized distribution of state property.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has also condemned the alleged actions, describing them as a serious dereliction of duty. “Government property must be protected and accounted for. Any misuse, misappropriation, or sale of such assets constitutes a serious offence and will attract both disciplinary and criminal sanctions,” a ministry official said.
Public reaction to the case has been one of disappointment, with many calling for stronger accountability mechanisms within law enforcement institutions. Civil society organizations have urged authorities to use the case as an example to reinforce ethical conduct and transparency across all ranks.
As investigations progress, prosecutors have hinted that additional charges could be brought forward should evidence suggest that the illegal activity involved a wider network or extended over a longer period.
The matter has reignited calls for institutional reform and stricter monitoring within the ZRP, particularly in logistical units responsible for issuing official materials.
For now, Dzingai remains on bail while the internal disciplinary process runs parallel to the criminal case. The ZRP says it remains committed to cleansing its ranks of corruption and restoring public trust.
“No officer is above the law — not even those who wear the uniform,” said a police spokesperson.
The case is set to continue on November 25, when prosecutors are expected to present further evidence as part of their ongoing investigations.
