Assistant Inspector fired after filming video ordering Chinese nationals to leave Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed Assistant Inspector Simbarashe Mandizvidza over a viral video in which he declared he was now the Commissioner General and ordered Chinese nationals to leave the country.

Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Mandizvidza’s discharge, saying he “improperly conducted himself and acted in an unbecoming manner” on 13 and 14 August 2025.

The dismissal was effected on 3 December after “duly constituted and appropriate administrative procedures.”

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police informs the public that Simbarashe Mandizvidza (Ex-Assistant Inspector) is no longer a member of the Police Service,” said Nyathi.

“The Commissioner-General of Police does not condone criminal acts and unruly conduct by police officers. He will therefore not hesitate to institute the relevant disciplinary procedures according to the provisions of the Police Act.”

According to the State, Mandizvidza allegedly recorded the controversial video using his Canon 250D camera while at his official residence at ZRP Hatfield Police Camp. Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje told the court that in the footage, Mandizvidza issued a series of extreme pronouncements targeted at foreign nationals.

“He also ordered all the Chinese out of Zimbabwe,” Chirenje said.

The prosecutor said Mandizvidza gave “all Chinese nationals living and doing business in Zimbabwe a 48-hour ultimatum to leave,” and went further to declare that “the ZRP Traffic section is temporarily disbanded.”

Following the incident, Mandizvidza was charged with transmitting false information with the intent to cause harm, breaching the Road Traffic Act, and causing disaffection among members of the police and defence forces.

Chirenje said the accused’s conduct “had the effect of causing disaffection among members of the police” and of undermining public confidence in law enforcement structures.

The State also argued that Mandizvidza had no right to use a computer or information system “to broadcast and distribute information that is false with the intention of causing psychological harm to foreign nationals investing in Zimbabwe and economic injury to the Republic of Zimbabwe.”