CIO Officers Accused of Extorting US$4K from Energy Company Director Granted Bail

Four members of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) have been granted bail after they were arrested for allegedly demanding US$1000 each rom Energy Company Director, Brian Dziwandi.

Extortion Allegations

The four CIO officers – Trust Madzunzu (38), Munyaradzi Gondo, Joshua Zingwe, and Innocent Chigona, were arraigned before Harare regional magistrate Donald Ndirowei on charges of extortion.

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Prosecutor Lancelot Mutsokoti alleged that on May 21, Madzunzu contacted Dziwandi, claiming to be an agent for Kamativi Mine and seeking a partnership in the diesel supply business.

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Threatening Demands From the CIO Gang

On May 22, Gondo met Dziwandi in a Harare hotel parking lot. The four officers allegedly told him they were from the President’s Department. They claimed to be conducting an operation to curb fuel smuggling.

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The officers alleged they had information Dziwandi had offloaded fuel. The fuel was in transit to Lusaka, Zambia, they said. The officers demanded $10,000 on behalf of their “boss.”

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Trap Set, Suspects Arrested

Fearing for his safety, Dziwandi asked for time to raise the money. The accused officers allegedly gave him an ultimatum of 4 pm the same day and continued to pressure him using different phone numbers.

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Dziwandi reported the case to the police, and on May 23, 2024. A trap was set, leading to the arrest of the four officers when they went to receive US$1,000 as part payment.

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Bail Granted

The four CIO officers were released on $100 bail each and remanded to June 10 for a possible trial date. They were represented by Liberty Gono and Dumisani Mtombeni.