Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A GANG has been breaking into homes in the Madokero neighbourhood of Harare and stealing cash, laptops and cellphones in the past five months.
Three of the suspects, who are all from Norton, were arrested in the neighbourhood while trying to break into a house.
Michael Muvengwa, 34, from Nharira, Norton, Fortune Nzuwa, 27, from Maridale, Norton, and Takudzwa Nyamadzawo, also 27, known by the alias Jerry, also from Maridale, were arrested.
Muvengwa has a criminal history and was previously convicted for motor vehicle theft.
Detective Assistant Inspector Merylin, deputy spokesperson for the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), urged residents, who may have lost property, to visit CID Marlborough, to identify recovered items.
The trio is believed to be responsible for, at least 11 counts, of unlawful entry.
“The accused used various unknown objects to gain entry into the victims’ homes, primarily targeting bedrooms,” said Det Ass-Insp Muriro.
“Once inside, they ransacked these rooms, stealing cash, cellphones and, in some instances, even televisions and laptops.”
The police recovered an HP Core i5 laptop, several Huawei cellphones, 41 cellphone lines, and 21 additional phones.
Meanwhile, three men from Fulabusi – Mayibongwe Ndlovu (27), Prince Sibanda (36), and John Max (25) – have each been sentenced to nine years in prison for the illegal possession of a pangolin.
Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, spokesperson for the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), said the possession, killing and trafficking of pangolins is subject to a mandatory nine-year jail term, under the Parks and Wildlife Act.
“The events unfolded on October 22, 2025, around 1pm, when our detectives received intelligence about the accused engaging in the trade of this endangered species and seeking potential buyers in Fulabusi,” she said.
Detectives posed as buyers and traced the trio to Bulawayo, where they discovered a live pangolin concealed in a sack within their vehicle.
The suspects were unable to provide any licenses or permits authorising their possession of the endangered animal, leading to their immediate arrest.
On Friday, the three men appeared before regional magistrate, Sibonginkosi Mkandla, who convicted them and imposed the nine-year sentences.
“We urge the public to refrain from engaging in the unlawful dealings and killing of our wildlife resources, particularly endangered species such as pangolins and rhinos,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
“Pangolins face severe threats from human hunting and trafficking and are classified as specially protected species.”
Mathew Masinge