An armed robbery gang, posing as military intelligence and police officials, has been busted in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe. The five-man gang, who falsely claimed ties to the First Family, targeted mining firms, extorted thousands of United States dollars from unsuspecting victims.
Three suspects, Munyaradzi Charakupa, Victor Jaja, and Tawanda Mangi, appeared in court on Monday, charged with impersonating public officials, attempted extortion, and extortion. The suspects were represented by Bryan Sengweni.The gang’s modus operandi was exposed after they targeted mines linked to prominent Bulawayo lawyer Dumisani Dube.Dube, who had been subjected to endless extortion demands, sought help from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, Sean, and the Attorney-General’s Office.
The gang’s false claims of being connected to the President’s Office were quickly debunked, leading to their arrest.It is alleged, Jaja introduced himself to Dube as a former police officer attached to the President’s Office, claiming to be part of Sean’s security team.
The gang possessed a file with special grant applications, demanding a protection fee of US$300,000 to be paid to Sean.Dube refused to pay, and the gang continued to extort money from him, demanding US$200,000 each and threatening to kill him unless he complied. In total, they extorted US$55,300 from Dube on several occasions.
