Chegutu Robbery Ring: Two Arrested, Four Still at Large

Police in Chegutu have arrested two suspects linked to farm robberies, recovered a stolen pellet gun, and are hunting four others still at large as investigations continue (image source)

CHEGUTU — Police in Chegutu have arrested two men believed to be central figures in a series of robberies that targeted farms across the district in early January. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrests on their X account, saying the suspects were linked to incidents at Maridadi Farm and Cigaro Farm between 1 and 15 January, where cash, cellphones and a pellet gun were stolen.

The arrested men, Kudakwashe Matizandima (27) and Perfect Isaac (18), were taken into custody on 15 January after ZRP Chegutu detectives received information tying them to the spate of thefts. Police said the operation that led to the arrests also resulted in the recovery of the stolen pellet gun, a key piece of evidence in the investigations.

According to investigators, the thefts followed a similar pattern, with perpetrators targeting isolated farm premises, taking advantage of limited night-time security and the absence of on-site guards. Farm owners reported that the intruders forced entry into outbuildings and workers’ quarters, making off with cash and mobile phones used by staff.

The incidents have heightened anxiety among rural communities and farm workers, who say they feel increasingly vulnerable to opportunistic crime. ZRP spokespeople emphasised that the arrests were the result of targeted intelligence work and community cooperation.

“On 15 January, police from ZRP Chegutu arrested the suspects after receiving information linking them to the robbery cases,” the force said. The statement urged residents and farm managers to continue sharing information with police and to improve security measures, including better lighting, alarm systems and coordinated neighbourhood watch efforts.

Police also named four other suspects believed to be involved in the criminal ring, identified only as Terrence, King, Munyaradzi and Edson, who remain at large. Authorities said efforts to locate and arrest these individuals are ongoing and called on anyone with information about their whereabouts to come forward. Investigators warned that harbouring or assisting the fugitives would attract criminal liability.

Farmers’ associations and local leaders have urged a sustained police presence in the district and faster response times to distress calls. They also called for a review of rural policing resources, arguing that limited patrols and understaffed stations embolden criminals.

The arrests of Matizandima and Isaac provide a measure of reassurance, but community representatives said long-term solutions are needed to deter repeat offences and protect livelihoods. Police have opened formal robbery investigations and are preparing charges against the two suspects.

As inquiries continue, the recovered pellet gun will be forensically examined and witness statements consolidated to strengthen the prosecution’s case. The outcome of the investigations will be closely watched by farm owners and rural communities across Chegutu, who hope the arrests mark the beginning of a wider crackdown on organised theft in the district.