Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
EIGHT suspects have been arrested in separate incidents on allegations of committing a spate of armed robberies and unlawful entry in the province.
Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said four of the eight suspects, Peace Mandizvidza (32), Edward Sibanda (27), Tapiwa Tagwirei (27) and Kumbulani Sibanda (25), were arrested for committing 10 cases of unlawful entry and theft in Masvingo City.
“Between January 2026 and April 2026, the quartet wreaked havoc in Victoria Ranch, Target Kopje and Runyararo West high-density suburbs,” she said.
“The quartet often took advantage of houses left unattended to break in and steal household goods ranging from electrical gadgets, kitchenware and solar backup systems,” she said.
Police received information linking the suspects to the commission of the crimes, and follow-ups were made, leading to the arrest of Peace Mandizvidza on April 26, who subsequently implicated his accomplices.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Edward Sibanda in Zvishavane, while Tapiwa Tagwirei and Kumbulani Sibanda were arrested in Victoria Ranch, Masvingo.
A total of two television sets, a deep freezer, an electric drill, 15 blankets, solar panels and 2 lithium batteries were recovered following their arrest.
In one of the cases that occurred between February 18 and March 1, 2026, the suspects forced open a locked door, gained entry and got away with a television set, fridge, microwave, two lithium batteries and two inverters, amongst other valuables.
Using the same modus operandi, they broke into another complainant’s house in February 2026 and got away with a television set, a lithium battery and an inverter.
Police are now appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspect Mukudzei Ashton Gwanyanya.
Members of the public have since been urged to reinforce all the security measures at their premises to help deter criminal activities.
The other four suspects, Collen Gweme (28), Probit Njanjure (24), Gift Chibharo (28) and Farai Tazivarose (59), also known as “Chitichi,” were arrested in connection with a spate of armed robbery cases which occurred in Triangle, Chiredzi and Mkwasine, Masvingo, between January 2026 and April 15, 2026.
The suspects were arrested following a tip-off which linked them to the armed robbery cases.
The arrests led to the recovery of stolen property, including a Nissan Caravan kombi, assorted groceries, three television sets, solar panels and inverters, a lithium battery, a submersible pump, 16 cellphones, three bicycles and other electrical gadgets.
