A police officer who made headlines in August after claiming to be the new head of the Zimbabwe Republic Police has been declared mentally unfit to stand trial and committed to Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit indefinitely.
Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai made the ruling after receiving medical reports from two State doctors and one private practitioner. All three reports confirmed that Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza was suffering from mental illness and was not fit to participate in legal proceedings.
Mandizvidza had been facing charges of transmitting false information with intent to cause harm, violating the Road Traffic Act, and causing disaffection among police or defence forces. The charges arose after he posted a series of videos and audio recordings that circulated widely on social media.
In the recordings, Mandizvidza, who was stationed at ZRP Hatfield Police Camp, declared himself as the new Commissioner-General of Police. He also issued a 48-hour ultimatum ordering all Chinese nationals living and conducting business in Zimbabwe to leave the country.
Prosecutors said the officer later misused his authority by taking a police vehicle without approval. He reportedly misrepresented to his superior, Fidios Chiteure, the Officer-in-Charge of Police General Headquarters Pay and Records, that he had been sent by Commissioner Makomo to use a Ford Ranger for official duties.
After taking the vehicle, Mandizvidza allegedly drove it to Waerera Village in Bindura, where police later recovered it. The incident added to growing concern about his mental state within the police service.
Following medical evaluations, the court ruled that Mandizvidza be detained at Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit for an unspecified period. The order means that his criminal trial will not proceed until medical professionals confirm his recovery and ability to stand trial.
“The accused shall remain under mental health care until certified fit by competent medical authorities,” Magistrate Kuhudzai ruled.
The State has since formally abandoned prosecution pending medical clearance from doctors, effectively pausing all legal proceedings against the officer.
