Mako Jerera
A 47-year-old man from Budiriro, Harare, has been arrested for impersonating a detective in a scheme to defraud a family featured on Tilder Moyo’s Star FM program, “Tilder Live Show: Zvinoyera nezvinotyisa nezvinoda kufumurwa,” which aired on December 17, 2024.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Shepherd Mangoma, who now faces charges of impersonation and extortion.
The incident unfolded after the family of the late Darlington Tendai Mapiki appeared on the show to challenge post-mortem results that ruled his death a suicide, asserting their belief in foul play. According to the ZRP statement:
“Reference is made to Tilder Moyo’s Star FM programme titled ‘Tilder Live Show, Zvinoyera nezvinotyisa nezvinoda kufumurwa,’ held on 17th December 2024. The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of a bogus police officer, Shepherd Mangoma (47) of Budiriro, Harare for impersonation and extortion.”
The suspect allegedly approached the family on December 9, 2024, posing as a detective stationed at CID Homicide, Harare. He claimed to have information regarding Darlington Tendai Mapiki’s death and demanded USD 500 to facilitate the arrest of those purportedly involved in a “murder.”
Mangoma further alleged that the pathologist responsible for the post-mortem was bribed and implicated five individuals, including a businessman and a traditional healer, in a ritual killing.
On December 18, 2024, the family reported the matter to the CID Police Anti-Corruption Unit in Harare. A trap was set, and Mangoma was apprehended at Rainbow Towers Hotel, Harare, after receiving USD 200 from the family.
The ZRP emphasized vigilance, urging the public to report individuals falsely claiming to be police officers and demanding cash or personal information outside police establishments.
Reports can be made via the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or at any nearest police station.
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