Two jailed for violent carjacking spree in Gwanda as police hunt third suspect

Gwanda Regional Magistrates Court

HARARE – Two men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after being convicted of a violent carjacking spree targeting taxi drivers in Gwanda, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed.

In a statement issued by the Criminal Investigation Department, signed by Detective Assistant Inspector Muriro, on March 23, police said Anele Thabo Ncube (24) of Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, and Ayibongwe Mathema (23) of Spitzkop Extension, Gwanda, were convicted following a series of armed robberies committed earlier this month.

The pair appeared before the Gwanda Regional Magistrates Court on March 20, where Magistrate Stembiso Ndebele handed down sentences of 24 years’ imprisonment for Ncube and 12 years for Mathema. Prosecutor Ngonidzashe Shumba represented the State. Police said the two, together with an accomplice still at large, identified as Makhosi Ngwenya, carried out a coordinated carjacking operation between March 2 and March 10, 2026.

According to investigators, the suspects posed as legitimate passengers seeking to hire taxis. After negotiating fares, they would direct drivers to remote destinations before producing machetes, knives, and iron bars to threaten the victims and seize control of the vehicles.

“The accused persons unleashed a reign of terror on unsuspecting taxi drivers, using weapons to intimidate them before driving away with their vehicles,” police said.

Three victims were targeted during the spree, with the suspects stealing two Honda Fit vehicles and a Toyota Fun Cargo. All the stolen vehicles have since been recovered following police investigations.

A Gwanda-based taxi driver, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said the attacks had created fear within the local transport sector.

“We operate late hours and often pick up strangers. What happened here is every driver’s nightmare,” he said. “We are relieved arrests were made, but there is still concern while one suspect is still free.”

Security experts say the case highlights a growing trend of organised vehicle-related crimes in parts of the country, often targeting informal transport operators.

“Taxi drivers are particularly vulnerable because they work alone and are easily lured into isolated areas,” said crime analyst Witness Dube. “This case underscores the importance of coordinated policing and community intelligence.”

The Zimbabwe Republic Police credited members of the public for providing information that led to the suspects’ arrest and the recovery of the stolen vehicles.

Authorities have since launched a manhunt for Ngwenya and are appealing to the public for information that may lead to his arrest.

“Police urge anyone with information to report at their nearest station,” the statement said, adding that community policing remains critical in combating violent crime.

The conviction is expected to bring some relief to Gwanda’s taxi operators, who have faced increased risks amid rising cases of armed robbery targeting transport workers.

ZRP arrest carjacking suspects