Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
POLICE in Beitbridge have arrested four suspects for a series of robberies where they would waylay unsuspecting motorists at a detour along the Beitbridge-Gwanda Road.
Criminal Investigations Department national spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the arrest of Bornman Ziweni aged 37, Believe Shumba aged 40, David Ratsauka aged 31, Peter Chinhimbiti aged 25 and Delight Gwanyanya aged 33 for a series of robberies and the quartet is now assisting police with the clearance of eight outstanding cases.
She said during the period extending from April to July 2025, the gang targeted slow-moving vehicles at a detour, along the Beitbridge- Gwanda Road where they would jump onto the vehicles, cut hydraulic pressure pipes and fuel pipes, forcing drivers to stop before robbing them of valuables.
“On August 6, 2025, police received information that Bornman Ziweni was behind these crimes. Detectives from CID Beitbridge swiftly reacted to the information, leading to his arrest and the subsequent arrest of his accomplices. Further investigations revealed that, on 10 May 2025, at around 2200 hours, the gang robbed one of the complainants who was driving Scania truck along Beitbridge- Gwanda Highway and had slowed down at the detour,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
She said pursuant to their robbing spree, on May 19, 2025 at around 9PM, the gang barricaded the road at Mazunga detour forcing one of the complainants’ truck to stop. They then robbed the driver of US$700, 2000 rand and a cellphone.
Det Insp Muteweri said on June 15, 2025, the suspects, masquerading as genuine travellers, hired one of the complainants, a taxi driver. Along the way, they robbed him of his motor vehicle and US$450 cash. The vehicle was later recovered dumped along Beitbridge-Masvingo Road.
Using the same modus operandi, said Det Insp Muteweri the four suspects robbed another taxi driver of his motor vehicle and 6000 rand on June 17, 2025 and the vehicle was recovered dumped in Dulibadzimu area.
“The suspects are now clearing a total of eight robbery cases in Beitbridge as well as two cases committed using similar modus operandi in Mwenezi.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is now appealing to members of the public who might have fallen victim in similar circumstances around Beitbridge area to come forward and identify their recovered property,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
