Two officials employed by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) have appeared in court facing allegations of criminal abuse of duty and unlawful detention following an incident at Mphoengs Border Post.
Brian Munyaradzi Kombora (32) and Terrence Manatse (34) were arraigned before the Plumtree magistrates’ court after their arrest last week.
The pair is accused of abusing their positions as public officers in a case that has sparked debate over accountability within anti-corruption institutions.
According to allegations presented in court, on February 17, 2026, at around 8pm, Kombora — who was reportedly not on official duty at the time — entered Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) offices at Mphoengs Border Post in Matabeleland South.
He allegedly approached a 39-year-old Zimra supervisor, identified himself as a Zacc officer and informed her that she was under arrest for an undisclosed offence.
The court heard that Kombora immediately handcuffed the supervisor while Manatse remained outside the office. It is alleged that Kombora then demanded money in exchange for her release.
When the supervisor indicated that she did not have any money in her office, Kombora allegedly escorted her, still in handcuffs, into another office where two of her colleagues were present.
He is accused of locking the door from the inside, keeping the keys, and ordering the three women to comply with his instructions while threatening their employment.
- Zacc descends on 'delinquent' schools
- Cartoon: September 13, 2022 edition.
- Another council boss claims victimisation
- A president who’s always seeing enemies, detractors is oftentimes the problem
Keep Reading
The situation reportedly took a turn when a security guard became suspicious and alerted other security personnel.
After some time, the security officers unlocked the door from the outside, gained entry and arrested Kombora.
Manatse is alleged to have approached the security officers and attempted to negotiate for the release of his colleague, leading to his immediate arrest as well.
The two accused were granted bail of US$100 each and are expected to return to court on a later date for further proceedings.
In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe underscored the seriousness of the matter, emphasising that public office is a position of trust.
The authority reiterated that where such trust is allegedly abused, the law will take its course without fear or favour, stressing that accountability applies to every individual regardless of rank or institution.
