The Independent Complaints Commission (ICC) has been asked to investigate alleged abuse of police powers in a bitter 50-50 shareholding dispute over Harare’s Cosmopolitan Restaurant and Bar.
The wrangle pits business partners Wenjing Cao, also known as Vicky, against Yuxin Zhang. Cao accuses her partner of deploying the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to gain leverage in what she insists is a purely commercial dispute.
Through Chimwamurombe Legal Practice, Cao filed a formal complaint alleging officers from Five Avenue Police Station acted outside their jurisdiction to harass her at Zhang’s instigation.
In a March 28, 2026 letter copied to the Commissioner-General of Police and the Prosecutor-General, Cao’s lawyers claim law enforcement is being used to influence negotiations over dissolving the business.
“Ms Zhang has sought to compel the police to arrest our client, not for legitimate criminal reasons, but to gain leverage in negotiations regarding the dissolution of their business,” the lawyers said. “Such conduct constitutes a serious abuse of police powers and undermines the integrity of civil dispute resolution.”
Tensions escalated after Cao secured a spoliation order allowing her to remain in occupation of the premises. The fallout reportedly began when Zhang attempted to halt operations without a formal buyout, citing an alleged breach of contract.
Following the court order, Zhang allegedly introduced measures seen as disruptive to business, including requiring patrons to register personal details — a move that has drawn complaints from customers.
Cao further claims that attempts to confront her partner are met with police intervention from Avondale, while her own reports to authorities are dismissed as civil matters.
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In a counter-move, Zhang filed her own petition on March 31 to ZRP Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba, alleging Cao is defying court processes and may be colluding with law enforcement.
The matter remains unresolved, with the ICC now expected to determine whether police were improperly drawn into a private commercial dispute.
