Staff Reporter
Police are seeking to question journalist and public relations practitioner, Edmund Kudzayi, over his alleged role in a US$40,000 extortion attempt against West Properties.

This follows the recent arrest of his alleged accomplice, Nominate Chazwe, who has already appeared before magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa and remains in custody pending a bail hearing.
According to police reports, Kudzayi is still at large, and authorities are intensifying efforts to locate him.
West Properties, represented by Michael Chideme, had previously engaged Kukurigo Communications Private Limited, where Kudzayi is the director for advertising and public relations services. During this professional relationship, Kudzayi reportedly introduced Chazwe as his business associate.
Court records indicate that in June 2024, Kudzayi and Chazwe allegedly claimed to have damaging information about West Properties and its managing director, Kenneth Raydon Sharpe. They allegedly demanded US$40,000 to suppress the publication of this material.
Feeling pressured, West Properties negotiated and transferred US$24,344 to Kukurigo Communications—money that was allegedly received by Kudzayi.
Despite receiving an initial payment, Kudzayi and Chazwe allegedly continued their demands, seeking additional money from West Properties. Court documents reveal that:
Chazwe later collected US$1,000, which was left at Horizon Hotel and handed over by one Noah Njambi.
On February 8, 2025, Chazwe allegedly demanded another US$4,000, prompting West Properties to report the matter to Harare Central Police Station.
Acting on the complaint, police set up a sting operation. Under police surveillance, a West Properties representative handed over the US$4,000 to Chazwe, leading to her immediate arrest and the recovery of the money.
The State, represented by Anesu Chirenje, argues that the actions of Chazwe and Kudzayi were part of a calculated and prolonged extortion scheme.
Police have warned that Kudzayi remains a wanted suspect, and investigations are ongoing to locate him. Authorities have urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to assist law enforcement.