There are reports that Assistant Inspector Chester Last Matsa has gone missing after being threatened by deputy tourism minister Barbra Rwodzi for arresting a member of Zanu PF.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, police seem to be under the impression that Matsa has purposely avoided work, and has not taken sufficient steps to ensure his safety.
A radio dispatch was sent to all police stations on July 28, 2023, to inform them of Matsa’s absence from work.
“Be advised that the above-mentioned member went AWOL on 24/07/2023 and has not reported for duty to date. Efforts to locate same at his known address were in vain. If located arrest, detain and advise this loc for escort,” the police radio issued from Shurugwi Police Station said.
Officer Matsa, 43, was stationed at Charandura Police Station in Chirumhanzu. However, he was unexpectedly transferred to Shurugwi following the release of a viral phone conversation between him and Rwodzi.
Rwodzi is the current Zanu MP for Chirumhanzu and was heard angrily berating Matsa in the three-and-a-half-minute phone call.
He called Matsa a “dog” and a “stupid idiot.”
The incident arose after Matsa arrested Fidelis Danger, one of Rwodzi’s supporters, for removing election campaign posters belonging to the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
Rwodzi told Matsa “I will deal with you” in a furious rant in which she also revealed her close association with police chief Commissioner Godwin Matanga.
Rwodzi railed: “I will finish this with you in front of Matanga. You’re an idiot… You think CCC will win? You’re a dog! You’re a dog! Go and file a complaint wherever you want, you’re a dog. Stupid!”
Matsa did file a police complaint against Rwodzi in Gweru on July 17, 2023.
“The accused person threatened the complainant with harm over the phone,” according to the complaint, which named Rwodzi as the accused person.
Police subsequently issued a statement stating that the incident was under investigation, but no further update was released.
Matsa is a married father of six, according to colleagues.
