‘Coup Cop’ Caged – ZimEye

📅 Published: August 15, 2025

Curated by AllZimNews.com

According to the State, on 13 August 2025, Mandizvidza filmed himself at his Hatfield Police Camp residence and uploaded the footage to his YouTube channel,Gondo Harishaye, declaring he had “taken over command of the ZRP,” ordering all Chinese nationals to leave Zimbabwe within 48 hours, and announcing the disbandment of the Traffic Section.

Prosecutors say the statements were false and calculated to cause psychological and economic harm.

Later that day, he allegedly misled a senior officer into believing he had authority from a commissioner to use a Ford Ranger (ZRP 1033R).

The vehicle was later recovered in Waerera village, Bindura.

A second video posted on 14 August again named Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba while claiming control of the force — which prosecutors described as a deliberate attempt to sow disaffection.

The State is opposing bail.

Investigators say releasing him could jeopardise evidence, noting he may delete the YouTube channel used in the alleged offences.

ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi distanced the organisation from Mandizvidza’s conduct, describing him as a “rogue policeman” and confirming he faces disciplinary proceedings under the Police Act [Chapter 11:10] alongside criminal charges.

Although Mandizvidza is the first serving police officer to openly claim control of the ZRP on camera, Zimbabwe has a long and turbulent history of alleged coup attempts:
Zimbabwe’s courts and security agencies have consistently treated any coup-related claims as serious national security threats.

If the State’s allegations against Mandizvidza hold, his case could mirror earlier episodes where alleged plotters enduredprolonged detention and hard-line prosecution, even when the claims eventually collapsed. 🔗

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