Tinotenda Hove – Two employees from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) were arrested last week after allegedly attempting to extort three officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Brian Munyaradzi Kombora (32) and Terrence Manatse (34) appeared before the Plumtree Magistrates’ Court facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as public officers and unlawful detention.

Prosecutors allege that on 17 February 2026, at around 8pm, Kombora — who was reportedly not on official duty at the time — went to ZIMRA offices and approached a 39-year-old supervisor. He allegedly identified himself as a ZACC officer and informed the official that she was under arrest for an unspecified offence.

The NPA says Kombora immediately handcuffed the supervisor while Manatse remained outside.

It is further alleged that Kombora demanded money in exchange for her release. When the supervisor indicated that she did not have cash in her office, he allegedly escorted her, still in handcuffs, into another office occupied by two colleagues.

Prosecutors say he locked the door from the inside, kept the keys, and ordered the three women to comply with his demands while threatening their jobs.

A security guard reportedly became suspicious and alerted other officers. After some time, security personnel managed to unlock the door from the outside, gained entry, and arrested Kombora.

Manatse is alleged to have then approached security staff in an attempt to negotiate Kombora’s release, leading to his immediate arrest as well.

Both accused were granted US$100 bail each.
In a statement, the NPA emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, saying, “Public office is a position of trust, and where such trust is allegedly abused, the law will take its course without fear or favour.”

The authority added, “Accountability applies to everyone, regardless of office or institution.”