Beitbridge man arrested for 20 theft-from-car cases

Sikhumbuzo Moyo

A 48-year-old Beitbridge man has been arrested and charged with 20 counts of theft from motor vehicles following a surge in such cases in the border town over the past two months.

Halbane Moyo was arrested after detectives linked him to a series of theft-from-car incidents that rocked Beitbridge between December 2025 and 21 February 2026.

Police said that during the period in question, the Beitbridge community experienced a noticeable increase in cases where unknown suspects targeted parked vehicles, forcibly gaining entry and stealing valuables. According to investigations, the accused allegedly targeted unattended vehicles, breaking into them and taking items including cellphones, laptops, cash, clothing, vehicle accessories, and sound equipment.

“His alleged criminal activities reportedly came to an end on February 22, 2026 when detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Beitbridge received information linking him to a theft-from-car case that had occurred the previous day. In that particular incident, the suspect allegedly broke into one of the complainant’s vehicles and stole cash,” said the CID national spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri.

She added that, acting on the information received, CID detectives conducted follow-ups which led to Moyo’s arrest. During the arrest, police reportedly recovered several items believed to have been stolen, including a hydraulic jack, cellphones, various clothing items, sub-woofers, and other valuables. The recovered goods have since been positively identified by their respective owners.

Police investigations have so far linked Moyo to a total of 20 theft-from-car cases in Beitbridge. She said the suspect appeared before the Beitbridge Magistrates Court on 23 February 2026, where he was remanded in custody pending trial.

The police have commended members of the public for providing credible information that led to the suspect’s arrest.

“Motorists are urged to remain vigilant and avoid leaving valuables in parked vehicles, particularly in public places, as investigations into related cases continue,” said Det Insp Muteweri.