Four Arrested as Police Crack Down on Vehicle Theft and Carjacking Syndicates

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested four suspects in separate motor vehicle theft and robbery cases in Bulawayo and Murewa as part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on vehicle crime.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said the arrests followed investigations by detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad in Bulawayo and CID Murewa, resulting in the recovery of stolen vehicle parts, a stolen Honda Fit and an air gun allegedly used during a robbery.

Police said Anisto Nkanyiso Nyoni (32) and Alfred Mthunzi (33), both of Emganwini, appeared before Tredgold Regional Court B on 17 July 2026 facing two counts of motor vehicle theft. According to the ZRP, detectives received information on 10 July linking the pair to the theft of a Honda Fit stolen from Nketa 9 Shopping Centre on 24 June 2026.

Investigations allegedly revealed that the suspects used an unknown object to start the vehicle before driving away with it. The vehicle was recovered the following day in Upper Rangemore, Bulawayo, after it had allegedly been stripped of its gearbox, radiator and three wheels, while the front bumper had also been damaged. Police said further investigations connected the suspects to another Honda Fit theft that occurred on 19 June 2026.

In that incident, the vehicle was allegedly stripped of its gearbox before being abandoned along the Bulawayo–Plumtree Road. During the investigation, detectives recovered two motor vehicle gearboxes, which police believe are linked to the thefts. The accused were remanded in custody until 27 July 2026 for the setting of a trial date. Police said investigations are continuing and that three other suspects, Munashe Ndlovu, Joramu Mpofu and a man identified only as John, are still being sought in connection with the case.

Two arrested over alleged carjacking in Murewa

In a separate incident, detectives from CID Murewa arrested Nigel Tafadzwa Nyamuzinga (21) and Godknows Divas Zisengwe (26), both from Mutoko, in connection with the alleged robbery of a Honda Fit. Police said the robbery occurred on 11 July 2026, when the suspects allegedly hired the complainant to transport them to Nyahuni before robbing him of his vehicle.

Following a tip-off received on 15 July, detectives tracked a suspicious Honda Fit parked at Mutoko Business Centre without registration plates. A search of the vehicle allegedly led to the recovery of the stolen registration plates concealed in the boot. Police also recovered an air gun, which investigators allege was used during the commission of the robbery. The two suspects appeared before the Mutoko Magistrates' Court on 17 July 2026, where they were remanded in custody pending further court proceedings.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police said investigations into both cases are continuing and urged members of the public to report suspicious vehicles, stripped vehicle parts or suspected vehicle theft syndicates. Authorities also encouraged motorists to remain vigilant when offering transport to unknown passengers and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. The accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

ZRP vehicle theft