Two Men Jailed for Stealing Pirate Taxis in Separate Robberies

By Percy Nhara | Southerton Business Times

HARARE – Two men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after being convicted in separate motor vehicle robbery cases involving pirate taxi drivers, as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) intensified efforts to crack down on organised vehicle theft syndicates. In a statement issued on 15 July 2026, police confirmed the conviction of Noah Kudakwashe Zhou (32) of Makanga Village under Chief Mazvihwa in Zvishavane and John Moyo (21) of Zababona Village under Chief Njelele in Gokwe.

According to police, Zhou was convicted in connection with a robbery that occurred in Masvingo on 15 June 2026. Investigators said Zhou and an accomplice who is still on the run allegedly approached a pirate taxi driver at Mucheke Rank, pretending to be genuine passengers seeking transport to Victoria Ranch. During the journey, the pair allegedly robbed the driver of his Toyota Probox before driving away with the vehicle. Police said the stolen vehicle was intercepted at the Chivi–Mashava Tollgate on 3 July 2026, leading to further investigations.

Detectives later arrested Zhou in Zvishavane on 12 July 2026. Investigations also linked him to another robbery in which he and the same accomplice allegedly stole a Toyota Aqua from another pirate taxi driver. Zhou appeared before Masvingo Regional Magistrate Farai Bepura on 14 July 2026, with Innocent Mudzingwa representing the State. He was convicted and sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment. Police said investigations are continuing to locate Zhou's alleged accomplice, identified only as Terrence, who remains at large.

In a separate case, John Moyo was sentenced to seven years in prison by Chipinge Regional Magistrate Bishard Chineka on 13 July 2026. According to police, Moyo posed as a customer before hiring a pirate taxi to Bamhamire Village under Chief Mutema in Chipinge on 30 June 2026. After reaching the destination, he allegedly robbed the driver of the vehicle and fled. His escape came to an end on 6 July 2026 after detectives from the CID Kwekwe received information that he was attempting to sell a suspected stolen vehicle at Globe and Phoenix Complex in Gweru. Police swiftly acted on the tip-off, leading to his arrest. The State was represented by Chipo Matanga during the prosecution.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police applauded members of the public for providing information that assisted investigators in tracking down the suspects. Authorities also urged motorists, particularly pirate taxi operators, to remain vigilant when picking up passengers and to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station. Police say investigations into vehicle robbery syndicates remain ongoing as law enforcement continues targeting criminals involved in organised theft across the country.

Zimbabwe motor vehicle robbery