Mandizvidza Sparks National Debate After Daring Challenge to Police Leadership

By Shingirai Vambe

Harare – Zimbabweans woke up this week to a storm of controversy after shocking videos surfaced online of a senior police officer declaring himself the new head of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). The bizarre footage, featuring Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza, has since gone viral, leaving the public stunned, the police scrambling to restore confidence, and sparking heated debate about what could have driven the officer to such audacious actions.

In the widely circulated videos, Mandizvidza appeared in full police uniform, announcing that he had taken charge of the ZRP and giving Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe 48 hours to leave the country. He warned that any attempts to arrest him would spark conflict, though he assured the public that “no one is going to be beaten, and people will be able to travel safely.”

“If you really love your country, support me,” he urged, a call that struck a nerve with some Zimbabweans frustrated by the state of the economy, corruption, politics and alleged foreign exploitation.

The drama began when Mandizvidza allegedly stole a Ford Ranger vehicle from the Police General Headquarters (PGHQ) in Harare. According to an internal police memo seen by Post On Sunday, the vehicle, bearing police colours and registration number 033, was believed to have been driven towards Mashonaland Central province.

Mandizvidza is said to have ordered police stations in Mashonaland East not to intercept him or his vehicle, effectively challenging the force he once served.

But within hours, a memo from Mazowe district police chief instructed all stations to mount roadblocks and patrols, urging officers to arrest and detain Mandizvidza for the CID Bindura unit.

By Thursday, the ZRP had moved to contain the fallout. In a strongly worded statement, national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, condemned Mandizvidza’s actions as “treasonous” and an affront to the institution’s mandate.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police categorically disassociates itself from the treasonous social media videos and statements issued by a rogue policeman,” Nyathi said.

“The errant member has been arrested and is now facing both disciplinary charges under the Police Act [Chapter 11:10] and criminal proceedings. The Commissioner-General of Police, Stephen Mutamba, assures the public that the ZRP will continue serving Zimbabwe and its leadership in line with the constitutional mandate.”

Mandizvidza is currently in police custody as investigations continue.

While the ZRP has sought to close ranks and frame Mandizvidza as an isolated “rogue officer,” reactions among ordinary Zimbabweans tell a different story. On social media platforms, citizens are fiercely divided.

Some condemned his actions as reckless and destabilising, but others, weary of corruption, mismanagement, and deepening economic hardship, viewed him as a whistleblower of sorts.

“He is a small Geza,” wrote one user, drawing comparisons with outspoken war veteran Blessed Runesu Geza, who is on the police wanted list and in hidding for once openly called for the Head of State, President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down, accusing him of fostering corruption and destroying the economy.

Another commented: “We need two or more of this calibre. He has said what many fear to say.”

These sentiments reflect the deep mistrust many Zimbabweans harbour towards state institutions, including the police, often seen as partisan and politically captured.

“regrettably our relationship with Zimbabweans has not been ideal, and i would like to offer an apology,” said Mandizvidza.

Mandizvidza’s actions have revived memories of other individuals who dared to openly challenge authority. Like the still-wanted war veteran Geza, Mandizvidza’s bold stance has raised questions about how far disillusionment within state institutions runs, and whether the police force itself may be harbouring silent dissenters.

For some analysts, his defiance is symptomatic of the cracks in Zimbabwe’s governance system. “When a senior officer reaches this point, it is not just about him,” said one political commentator. “It signals deeper frustration within institutions that are supposed to serve the people but are instead seen as tools of repression.”

While others reflect on political connotations, others said he smoked or used the exhibit, that the police had confiscated, alleging that he was under the influence of drugs. however, some confirm he is under depression and in a state of mental illness owing to his social issues

As the dust settles, Zimbabweans remain eager to know what truly drove Assistant Inspector Mandizvidza, a career policeman, to such an extraordinary rebellion. Was it personal frustration? A political statement? Or a symptom of wider institutional decay?

For now, the official line is clear, he is a rogue officer, facing the full weight of the law. Yet on the streets and across digital platforms, debate rages on, reflecting the uncertainty, anger, and yearning for change that continue to shape Zimbabwe’s fragile political landscape.

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