Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
TWO men have been arrested and four others are on the run following a series of robberies and thefts targeting network service provider base stations in Kwekwe.
Stanely Chifodya (32) and Kudakwashe Mazvidza (26) were nabbed.
Their accomplices—Washington Ndlovu, Takudzwa Hwaire, Mutsa Muzwarimwe and a suspect identified as Regis—are on the run.
In a statement, CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri warned those who are vandalising public utilities.
“Between October 2025 and March 2026, Kwekwe and surrounding areas witnessed a spate of thefts of diesel and generator batteries from network service provider base stations.
“In total, 9,000 litres of diesel and four generator batteries were stolen.
“Among the incidents, on December 7, 2025, the suspects – together with their accomplices who are still at large – armed themselves with an assortment of breaking implements and a 303 rifle.
“They then proceeded to a network service provider base station, scaled the fence, and assaulted the security guard while threatening him with the firearm. They siphoned diesel from the generator and stole a generator battery.
“Later in December 2025, the group continued using the same modus operandi. They struck at Mbizo 7 network booster, siphoning 1,630 litres of diesel, before attacking another booster where they stole 938 litres.
“They also targeted the Mbizo 15 base station, taking 1,200 litres of diesel.
“On December 15, 2025, at around 0200 hours, they attacked another network service provider booster, manhandled the security guards, and stole 540 litres of diesel, along with a generator battery.”
Their luck ran out on Friday.
Police officers on patrol in the Amaveni area, Kwekwe, spotted a suspiciously parked vehicle.
The officers observed the suspects draining diesel from a base station generator.
This led to the arrest of Chifodya and Mazvidza, while their accomplices escaped into the darkness.
