Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
FOUR men, who are suspected of targeting motorists in a string of robberies and car thefts in Harare in the last three months, have been arrested.
Terence Wachenuka (19), Onsimo Nyasha Kusekera (20), Blessing Rugwinya (26), and Joshua Mutungamiri Chirata (18) are the suspects who have been nabbed.
According to the police, the quartet operated mainly in Kuwadzana, Mabelreign and the surrounding areas.
In a statement, Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, the CID spokesperson, said the crimes were committed between May 2 and August 12 this year.
The gang allegedly carried out a robbery spree using a similar modus operandi—waylaying motorists who slowed down or stopped at intersections before forcibly taking their vehicles.
Police say that in one incident on May 2, the suspects allegedly forced open a motorist’s vehicle doors, shoved the complainant into the rear passenger seat, dumped him in Whitehouse, Harare, and then drove off at high speed.
On May 14, the gang allegedly robbed a taxi driver of his Toyota Sienta, using the same method.
The vehicle was later recovered abandoned in Kuwadzana, Harare.
On June 27, police said the group allegedly robbed another motorist of his Toyota Runx, taking US$1,200 and other valuables.
On August 8, the complainant allegedly offered a lift to three of the suspects, who said they wanted to travel to Kuwadzana Extension.
The men then allegedly claimed they needed to pick up their sister.
Police say that after reaching the area, where they said their sister stayed, the suspects pretended to have lost their way before robbing the man of his Toyota Raum.
The vehicle was later recovered on August 12.
It was abandoned in a ditch along Lake Chivero Road in Whitecliff, after it had been involved in an accident.
A toy gun and a cellphone were recovered from the dumped vehicle, and the cellphone became “a crucial lead” in the investigation.
Follow-up investigations, police said, led to the arrest of Wachenuka, who allegedly admitted involvement in the crimes together with the accomplices—who were later arrested.
Det-Insp Muteweri said the suspects are clearing a total of six cases of robbery of motor vehicles and one theft of a motor vehicle.
The police added that the four appeared before the Harare Magistrate Court on August 31, where they were remanded in custody.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police continue to warn motorists against offering lifts to strangers. Your vigilance can prevent crime,” said Det-Insp Muteweri.
