By Fanuel Chinowaita
Marange, Manicaland — Chaos has reportedly engulfed the traditional court of Chief Marange following allegations that a woman, Ellice Ngwarati, has been illegally operating within the chief’s jurisdiction while impersonating a Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officer.
Court officials and community members told The Wasu Post that Ngwarati began frequenting the chief’s court claiming she had been deployed there from CID Mutare Central. However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police reportedly confirmed that there is no officer by that name attached to CID Mutare Central.
“She came here saying she was from CID Mutare Central and that she had been deployed to work at the chief’s court,” said a close source who works within the court. “When police were consulted, they said they don’t have anyone by that name.”
Chief Marange, who is said to be 93 years old, has allegedly been rendered vulnerable by the situation, with sources claiming Ngwarati has been exerting undue influence within his household and court.
Some community members have gone as far as alleging she could be using supernatural means to control people at the court, although no evidence has been produced to substantiate this claim.
“The old man is no longer in a position to protect himself. She has too much access, even to private spaces,” another source alleged. “People are now scared to question her because she claims she is CID.”
Ngwarati is further accused of fraud, intimidation and abuse of authority, allegedly threatening villagers by claiming to be a CID officer.
Sources said more than five people have had money, livestock and produce taken from them under unclear circumstances, with Ngwarati allegedly refusing to return the property and telling complainants to “go wherever they want” when confronted.
One complainant, whose money was allegedly taken by Ngwarati, told this publication that he now lives in fear and uncertainty.
“I am very worried. I just pray that she gives me back my money,” he said. “She told me she is CID and that there is nothing we can do about it.”
The complainant confirmed that he has since made a police report at Bambazonge Police Station, while another victim also confirmed that Ngwarati owes him money and that he is still preparing to file a formal report with the police.
Another complainant alleged that Ngwarati presented herself as a lawyer who also works at the chief’s court. When contacted by The Wasu Post, the complainant said she knows Ngwarati as the chief’s police officer and a lawyer based in Mutare.
“She told us she is a lawyer and that she works here at the chief’s court,” the complainant said. “To us, she is the chief’s police and a lawyer in Mutare.”
Speaking directly to The Wasu Post, Ngwarati said she is not afraid of being called by the police, even if her uniform and force number are taken.
“I am not afraid of the police. Even if my uniform and force number are taken, I will continue working,” she said. “I am a successful businesswoman.”
Her remarks appear to indirectly confirm that she is a police officer, despite police having denied that she is still a serving member of the force.
Among the cases cited is that of a villager who dug a well and was reportedly paid only US$20, while another allegedly lost chickens worth US$80 and green maize valued at US$93. Some of the complainants are now seeking the chief’s intervention to recover their losses, with at least one case reportedly reported to the court this week.
In a separate matter, Ngwarati allegedly dragged the chief’s driver, James Mashanda, to the Mutare Civil Court, demanding US$1,857, claiming he owed her money and accusing him of refusing to marry her.
Mashanda reportedly denies ever having had an intimate relationship with her.
“I have never been married to her and I don’t owe her any money,” Mashanda is quoted by sources as having told the court.
The dispute escalated to the High Court of Zimbabwe, which ruled that Ngwarati is barred from issuing any documents or taking any action against Mashanda pending judgment. No date has yet been set for the delivery of that judgment.
Sources further allege that Ngwarati has been moving around identifying herself as “Mai Mashanda” or “Mai Mashamaire,” despite Mashanda reportedly denying that she is his wife.
She was also reportedly issued with a peace order at Mutare Civil Court for threatening Mashanda’s wife.
Court insiders claim Ngwarati routinely disrupts proceedings by ferrying litigants away from the court in private vehicles, demanding money under the pretext of resolving their cases, and then disappearing.
“She takes people away from the court, tells them she will fix their cases, asks for money, and then nothing happens,” a court insider said.
She is also accused of usurping the role of the chief’s driver by transporting elders, entering the chief’s private quarters — including the bedroom — removing household property, cooking for the chief, and acting as a maid.
More controversially, she is alleged to have written summonses from the court secretary’s office, arrested people under the guise of enforcing the chief’s authority, and later presided over the very cases she initiated.
In one cited incident, a man identified as Masire was reportedly summoned to the chief’s court over a shop construction dispute using documents allegedly written by Ngwarati, who later presided over the matter.
A source claimed a serving ZRP officer was also subjected to similar treatment.
A close source within Chief Marange’s circle confirmed that efforts are being made to engage Ngwarati to stop the alleged conduct.
“We have tried to talk to her. She is adamant, but we are still trying to resolve the matter through dialogue,” the source said.
Police have urged all those who may have been defrauded in the name of the ZRP to formally report their cases.
“Anyone who was defrauded using the name of the police should come and make a report so investigations can be carried out,” a police source said.
When contacted for comment, Ngwarati denied working at Chief Marange’s court.
“I don’t work at Chief Marange,” she said.
On allegations that she is a CID officer, Ngwarati neither confirmed nor denied the claim, saying, “I will call you tomorrow when I am at Mutare Rural so that you meet me, the Mutare Rural Dispol and another Inspector.”
She went on to warn this reporter against publishing issues related to Chief Marange’s court, saying, “Don’t write about what is happening at Chief Marange.”
Her warning, however, contradicts her assertion that she does not work at or involve herself in matters of the chief’s court.