Ex-cop back in court over illegal disciplinary centre

Sunday Mail Reporter

FORMER police officer Tafadzwa Chidawa, popularly known as Detective Kheda, appeared in court on Friday on charges of operating an unregistered drugs and substance rehabilitation centre for delinquent youths in Marlborough, Harare.

Chidawa, who was recently cleared of a separate US$20 000 fraud case, was jointly charged with his co-director, Clara Manyapera.

The two appeared before Harare Magistrate Rufaro Panavanhu and were granted US$300 bail each, with their next court appearance scheduled for April 22.

The State alleges that from December 6, 2024 to date, Chidawa and Manyapera have been running Matrix Disciplinary and Training Centre to rehabilitate troubled youths without registering it under the Private Voluntary Organisations Act.

They are also accused of impersonating child protection officers while conducting training sessions.

Matrix Disciplinary and Training Centre has gained significant social media attention, where it shares videos of delinquent children undergoing rehabilitation. Some of the youths featured in the videos were reportedly involved in drug and substance abuse.

The centre’s controversial disciplinary methods have sparked mixed reactions online.“During the period extending from December 6, 2024 to date, accused persons connived and formed Matrix Disciplinary and Training Camp with the purpose of rehabilitating children with delinquency issues,” reads the State’s case.

“The accused persons admitted into camp youths. The accused persons, knowing that Matrix Disciplinary Camp was not registered in terms of the Private Voluntary Organisation Act, unlawfully managed and had control of the organisation, in violation of the Act.”

On count two, the State accuses the duo of impersonating child protection officers.

“During the operation of the organisation, accused persons impersonated child protection officers by offering services which involved carrying out measures for the observation and corrections, causing or contributing to delinquency, counselling, supervising and controlling children with delinquency tendencies, in contravention of the Children’s Act,” said the State.