Thigh Vendor Arrested For Extorting Armed Robber
A Bulawayo sex worker and her two accomplices have appeared in court facing extortion charges after allegedly posing as police officers and seizing a mobile phone later linked to an armed robbery case.
Nokuthaba Mpofu, Tendai Geja and Darlington Matsa Sibanda appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Richard Ramaboea on Monday.
The trio was not asked to plead. Mpofu, represented by lawyer Tinashe Dzipe, was granted US$100 bail, while Geja and Sibanda, who are representing themselves, were remanded in custody until November 10.
Prosecutor Dereck Chihombe told the court that on 7 October 2025, Devine Dowani, who is under investigation for armed robbery, met Mpofu at Cecil Hotel to negotiate for sexual services. The two reportedly quarrelled over payment, prompting Dowani to drive away.
Shortly after, Dowani received a call from Geja, who asked him to meet near a food outlet close to the hotel.
When Dowani arrived, he was confronted by Geja, Sibanda and two unidentified men who allegedly introduced themselves as police officers.
Sibanda reportedly removed Dowani’s car keys from the ignition while Geja searched the vehicle.
During the search, the group allegedly found a pellet gun. Geja and Sibanda then demanded US$200 to avoid arrest for illegal possession of the weapon.
Dowani paid US$32, and the suspects allegedly drove with him to his home, where they took a solar battery, an inverter, and his mobile phone as “collateral,” promising to return the phone once he paid the remaining US$168.
The offence came to light after one of the accused was reportedly found using Dowani’s mobile phone, the same device allegedly used in an armed robbery, leading to their arrest.
