The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has discharged Simbarashe Mandizvidza, who held the rank of Assistant Inspector, after he was found to have behaved improperly and acted in an unbecoming manner on 13 and 14 August 2025.
In a statement issued on 10 December 2025, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that Mandizvidza was officially discharged on 3 December 2025 following disciplinary procedures.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police informs the public that Simbarashe Mandizvidza (Ex-Assistant Inspector) is no longer a member of the Police Service.
“Mandizvidza, who improperly conducted himself and acted in an unbecoming manner on the 13th and 14th of August 2025, was discharged on the 3rd of December 2025 after duly constituted and appropriate administrative procedures were effected.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that the Commissioner-General of Police does not condone criminal acts and unruly conduct by police officers.
“He will therefore not hesitate to institute the relevant disciplinary procedures according to the provisions of the Police Act.”
Mandizvidza, 35, has been discharged from the police after a bizarre series of events that saw him declare himself the “new police chief” of Zimbabwe.
In August, Mandizvidza posted videos on Facebook and WhatsApp claiming he had taken control of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
In the clips, which quickly went viral, he declared he was “taking charge of the ZRP with immediate effect” and even ordered all Chinese nationals to leave the country within 48 hours.
The incident sparked widespread attention after it emerged that Mandizvidza had also taken a police Ford Ranger without authorisation.
He misled his superior, Fidios Chiteure, officer in charge of Police General Headquarters Pay and Records, saying he had been sent by Commissioner Makomo to use the vehicle for official duties.
The car was later recovered from Waerera Village in Bindura.
Following these actions, Mandizvidza was charged with transmitting false information with intent to cause harm, breaching the Road Traffic Act, and causing disaffection among police or defence forces.
However, in October, a Harare magistrate ruled that Mandizvidza was mentally unfit to stand trial.
Magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai made the decision after reviewing reports from two state doctors and a private physician, all confirming Mandizvidza was not of sound mind.
He was indefinitely committed to Chikurubi Psychiatric Unit, where he remains under care.
As a result, his prosecution was formally suspended until doctors confirm he has recovered.
