Staff Reporter

Two individuals, Takudzwa Chidawa and Clara Manyepera, have been arrested and charged with operating an unregistered private voluntary organisation and impersonating child protection officers. The duo allegedly established and operated a camp in New Marlborough, Harare, without the necessary registration and licensing required by the Private Voluntary Organisation Act.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the camp, located at 2165 Tokwane Close, aimed to rehabilitate children with delinquency issues.

However, authorities claim that the duo admitted youth into the camp from December 6, 2023, onwards, without the necessary qualifications or authorisation.

"The state alleges that the two established and operated the camp without the necessary registration and licensing required by the Private Voluntary Organisation Act. The camp reportedly aimed to rehabilitate children with delinquency issues, and authorities claim that the two admitted youth into the camp from December 6, 2023, onwards," the National Prosecuting Authority stated.

Furthermore, the state alleges that during the camp's operation, Chidawa and Manyepera impersonated child protection officers, offering services legally reserved for qualified individuals.

This included measures for observing and correcting behaviours contributing to delinquency and providing counselling, supervision, and control.

"The accused acted unlawfully, thereby breaking the Children's Act." The state is in possession of video footage of the pair conducting training sessions," the National Prosecuting Authority said.

Chidawa and Manyepera appeared at the Harare Magistrate's Court for initial remand on April 20, with each being granted $300 bail.

Meanwhile, the case highlights the importance of ensuring that organisations working with vulnerable populations, such as children, are properly registered and licensed to operate.