Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A 34-YEAR-OLD ex-convict believed to have terrorised Chipinge’s low-density suburbs with a string of break-ins and thefts has been arrested.
Nigel Moyochishuri, of no fixed abode, was picked up by police officers on early-morning patrol at Magwanya Bar on May 22.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest, and said detectives have since linked Moyochishuri to multiple cases of unlawful entry and theft committed across Chipinge between November 2015 and May 2026.
The arrest forms part of an intensified police crackdown on known offenders after residents raised alarm over a surge of housebreakings in Chipinge’s upmarket neighbourhoods.
“On May 22 at around 4am, police officers from ZRP Chipinge who were conducting patrols targeting known criminals spotted the accused person at Magwanya Bar, and took him in for questioning.
“During the interview, he allegedly admitted committing a series of unlawful entry offences in the Chipinge area, leading to the clearance of several outstanding criminal cases,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Investigations revealed that Moyochishuri allegedly targeted homes in low-density suburbs, stealing valuables which he later disposed of both locally and across the border in neighbouring Mozambique.
One of the confirmed incidents dates back to November last year, when Moyochishuri allegedly broke into a house in Chipinge’s low-density suburb and stole a Samsung cellphone valued at US$120.
Barely a month after his first strike, on December 2, 2025, Moyochishuri allegedly escalated his crime spree by targeting the residence of Chipinge resident magistrate, Mr Nickson Mangoti.
“He allegedly broke into the magistrate’s house, and stole three Samsung cellphones, various clothes, and a wristwatch valued at approximately US$300,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Undeterred, Moyochishuri reportedly struck again on March 20, this time breaking into the home of Chipinge regional magistrate, Mr Rashid Chineka. “He allegedly stole an Acer laptop valued at US$150,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
By May, the suspect had grown bolder, allegedly using bolt cutters to force entry into targeted homes.
On May 14, he is said to have broken into another residence, stealing an iPhone 7, groceries, and clothes belonging to Ms Rosemary Kature.
“The total value of property stolen in that incident was approximately US$200,” added Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
On the same day, Moyochishuri allegedly used bolt cutters once again to break into another residence in Chipinge’s low-density suburb.
“He allegedly broke into a Mr Abel’s house, and stole a Samsung tablet and cellphone valued at US$200,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
During questioning, Moyochishuri reportedly admitted disposing of the stolen property to various individuals he claimed he could identify by facial appearance, while other items were allegedly smuggled across the border into Mozambique.
Police investigations further revealed that Moyochishuri is an ex-convict who was released from prison in October last year after serving a sentence for unlawful entry offences.
The total value of stolen property linked to his latest cases is estimated at US$850.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka issued a stern warning to the public against buying suspected stolen goods, stressing that doing so fuels criminal activity and exposes buyers to arrest.
“We continue to urge members of the public not to buy goods from suspicious individuals or at unusually cheap prices because this encourages criminal activities in communities.
“People should always demand proof of ownership or receipts when purchasing valuable items such as cellphones, laptops, and other electronic gadgets.
“Residents should ensure that doors, windows, and gates are properly secured at all times. Communities should also work closely with police by reporting suspicious persons and movements in their neighbourhoods,” he said.
