Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
A 30-year-old suspected serial criminal has been arrested for committing a spate of armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, unlawful entry and theft, and motor vehicle theft cases which were committed in Beitbridge and Mberengwa.
The suspect has been identified as Courage Siziba (30) of Madhibhanjenje Village, under Chief Matarutse in Mberengwa.
Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the arrest.
“Between August 14 and October 8, 2026, the suspect, armed with a firearm, went on a robbery spree, targeting residential properties, business premises and motorists in and around Beitbridge,” she said.
In one of the cases that occurred on September 17, 2026, the suspect, masquerading as a genuine client, hired an unsuspecting taxi driver under the pretext of collecting a parcel.
Siziba is alleged to have later driven off in the vehicle, a Toyota Spade, valued at US$9 000. The vehicle was later recovered intact in Beitbridge.
In another incident that occurred on September 27, 2026, the suspect targeted a service station in Beitbridge, where he threatened employees with a firearm and robbed them of cash.
He force-marched the employees to the manager’s office before robbing the manager of US$2 235.
On September 26, 2026, the suspect also stole another vehicle worth ZAR250 000 from a carport in Beitbridge.
The vehicle was later tracked down to Zvishavane, where it had been involved in an accident. Follow-ups were made, resulting in the recovery of the accident-damaged vehicle.
Siziba was arrested on October 21, 2026, and a search conducted led to the recovery of a Rossi .38 Special revolver loaded with five rounds, together with a further 16 rounds of ammunition concealed in his satchel.
Insp Muteweri said Siziba is facing a total of 15 counts of armed robbery, as well as kidnapping, rape, unlawful entry and theft, and theft of a motor vehicle charges.
He is also linked to two counts of armed robbery which occurred in Mberengwa. Property valued at US$38 215, ZAR262 900 and ZIG13 000 was stolen, while property valued at US$35 100 and ZAR250 000 has since been recovered.
He appeared in court on October 23, 2026, for further remand to allow investigations to continue.
Insp Muteweri said, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police commends members of the public for providing credible information that led to the suspect’s arrest.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is now on the trail of the outstanding suspect, Trust Mugombe. We are now appealing for information that may lead to his arrest.”
