Nine lives: ‘Reinstated’ top cop Makodza lands Chief Staff Officer position

Harare- TOP cop Commissioner Erasmus Makodza has been on Wednesday appointed the Chief Staff Officer (Human Resources) of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) ,Express Mail Zim can report.

The Commissioner General of Police Tandabantu Godwin Matanga affected the transfers ,including two other senior officers Patson Nyabadza and Patton Mbangwa with the the former being appointed Officer Commanding Bulawayo province and the later moved to Police General Headquarters.

Senior Staff Officer Assistant Commissioner Public Relations Paul Nyathi made the announcement and said the move was made in order to ensure that the Police Service achieves its constitution of providing quality service to the public in line with Vision 2030.

“The ZRP reiterates its commitment to ensure that the malady of crime is tackled without fear or favour in the country,” said Nyathi in a statement.

Makodza has a decorated and turbulent career which has seen him assuming different roles including being the Officer Commanding in Charge Mashonaland East and Matabeleland North.

During his stint in Matabeleland, he encountered an unfortunate incident which forced his transfer at the behest of former First Lady Grace Mugabe. Her (Grace) son Russell Goreraza had caused a scene at a Bulawayo city nightclub where he wanted to smuggle a bottle of whiskey and clashed with bouncers.

The bouncers had no idea of his status and he (Russel) was used to his bullying tactics in Harare clubs using his mother ‘s ‘immunity’, but in this incident he met his match and was chucked out.

The seemingly overzealous Russel then made calls and the club was besieged by cops who indiscriminately slapped reveller. Grace (Mugabe) was not amused and allegedly ordered Makodza’s transfer.

Last year, the resilient Makodza was suspended and hauled before the courts for alleged abuse of office .The wheels of justice however found him not guilty and he was acquitted in February 2022. Harare magistrate Noel Mupeiwa handed down the ruling. Makodza was facing a charge of criminal abuse of office.

According to the State, Makodza allegedly influenced the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to award a contract to Maonei Chapfudza to run a business project on a police farm in Mashonaland East province at the time he was in charge of the province.

The State was misled that Makodza presented Chapfudza to the police committee as a private investor to run the police farm in Marondera without disclosing their relationship to his superiors. The State was further misled that Makodza had a romantic relationship with Chapfudza ,and this was disputed in court.

After all submissions and cross examinations were made ,Makodza was acquitted and had his suspension lifted in the police force where he bounced back to the levers of power.