Tinotenda Hove – A senior police officer from Gutu has been taken to court in Masvingo over allegations of misconduct after reportedly assigning duties to a junior officer who was officially suspended.

Inspector Edward Chiweta, who heads the CID unit in Gutu, is facing charges linked to negligence after allegedly allowing Constable Farai Simudzirai (43) to resume active operations despite an existing suspension. The case is being heard before Magistrate Misheck Brian Munyaradzi.

According to court proceedings, Simudzirai—who had been sidelined due to a pending murder case—was deployed on 16 March 2025. Not long after returning to duty, he was allegedly involved in a fatal shooting along the Beitbridge–Masvingo Highway.

The State argues that this decision violated police regulations, which prohibit officers under criminal investigation from carrying out official duties until their cases are finalized. Chiweta is accused of breaching provisions of the Police Act by failing to properly execute his responsibilities.

Simudzirai had been suspended in July 2024 following accusations that he killed a fellow officer, Constable Privilege Hove, in Karoi. Despite this, prosecutors say Chiweta knowingly disregarded the suspension order, which had been issued by Commissioner Crispen Charumbira.

The fatal incident in question involved 24-year-old Shadreck Madzore, who was travelling as a passenger in a Mazda B1800 near Rutenga in Mwenezi. The court heard that Simudzirai, accompanied by another officer in an unmarked vehicle, attempted to stop the car.

Believing they were being targeted by criminals, the driver allegedly sped away.
In response, Simudzirai reportedly fired shots at the vehicle during the pursuit. The car later came to a halt at a police roadblock, where it was discovered that Madzore had been fatally wounded.

It is understood that the passengers had been returning from a family gathering.
The prosecution maintains that Chiweta had full knowledge of Simudzirai’s suspension, as he was present when the officer received formal notification. It is further argued that he lacked the authority to reverse or ignore such a directive.

Witnesses expected to testify include Simudzirai himself, another officer identified as Simbabure, and Chief Superintendent Tshuma, as the case continues.