Carjackers, prison escapee arrested following crime spree: over US$19 000 worth of property recovered

THE police have arrested a trio of notorious carjackers who were allegedly involved in a series of crimes, including unlawful entry into premises, theft from motor vehicles, and theft of motor vehicles.

The suspects have been identified as Promise Muchena (27), Desmond Kamundimu (28), and Eric Bvuwe (24).

In a statement, the National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the arrest led to the recovery of some stolen property, including money.

“The arrest of the three suspects led to the recovery of some stolen property which includes laptops, television sets, solar panels, inventors among other valuables all valued at US$19 530-00,” he said.

Assist Comm Nyathi said the suspects persistent hunger for breaking the law led to their arrest.

“On the 10th January 2024, detectives from CID Mutare acted on received information and arrested Promise Muchena in connection with 18 counts of unlawful entry into premises cases and theft, five counts of theft from motor vehicles and four counts of theft of motor vehicles. The suspect implicated Desmond Kamundimu and Eric Bvuwe as his accomplices and led to their arrest,” said Assist Comm Nyathi.

Assist Comm Nyathi said it was discovered that Promise Muchena had previously escaped from Hwahwa Young Offenders Prison on August 15, 2023, where he had been serving a 14-month jail term for unlawful entry into premises and theft.

In specific incidents, the trio targeted motor vehicles, stealing them and later abandoning them in Mutare following road traffic accidents. One such case occurred on November 18, 2023, in Nyamhuka 2, Nyanga, where a Honda Fit motor vehicle valued at US$5 000 was stolen. Similarly, on December 3, 2023, in White Cliff South, Harare, the suspects stole a Toyota Vits motor vehicle worth US$2 450

Assist Comm Nyathi urged members of the public to report crimes to the nearest police station in order to help curb criminal activities happening in their communities.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to applaud members of the public for their concerted effort in the fight against crime,” said Assit Comm Nyathi.