Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
THE man police believe turned Bulawayo’s notorious Mpilo-UCE corridor into a hunting ground for vulnerable women is finally behind bars after a dramatic intelligence-led operation ended at a city centre fast-food outlet.
Alphios Chitsa (42) of Highmount suburb was arrested on 18 June after detectives tracked him to the fast food outlet in Bulawayo’s central business district, bringing a major breakthrough in a case that has sent fear through women using the Mpilo, UCE and SOS Children’s Village routes.
It has emerged that Chitsa served 10 years of a 15-year sentence for sex offence at Khami Maximum Security prison before release in 2024.
According to police, Chitsa is suspected of using a chilling and calculated pattern to lure unsuspecting women before robbing and sexually assaulting them in secluded bushy areas.
Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the arrest, saying investigations linked the suspect to a string of cases reported between February and June this year.
“The suspect was arrested following an intelligence-led operation after detectives received information linking him to several reported cases with similar circumstances,” she said.
Police investigations revealed that the suspect preyed on women who were stranded, travelling alone or seeking transport assistance.
He would reportedly gain their trust before directing them towards isolated areas along the Mpilo-UCE corridor.
Once in the bushy terrain, victims were allegedly robbed of cash, cellphones and other valuables, while some cases escalated into sexual assaults.
The arrest followed extensive investigations involving CCTV footage and information supplied by members of the public.
Police say the suspect was first spotted on surveillance footage interacting with a woman in a manner that matched descriptions given by previous complainants.
Informers later tipped off detectives after allegedly spotting a man fitting the same description in the city centre.
Acting on the information, police intelligence operatives placed the area under surveillance before swooping on the suspect at along Fort Street and Leopold Takawira Avenue.
Authorities have linked him to at least five reported cases involving women aged between 17 and 41 years.
The incidents, all reported under ZRP Sauerstown, followed a similar pattern, with victims lured to bushes around Mpilo Central Hospital, the United College of Education and surrounding bushy areas.
Chitsa appeared before the Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Bonginkosi Mnkandla on Wednesday facing multiple counts including rape and robbery.
He was not asked to plead and was remanded in custody to 7 July.
Concilia Ncube represented the State.
Court papers show the offences were committed between February and June this year.
Police believe there could be more victims who have not yet come forward.
Inspector Msebele urged anyone who may have experienced similar encounters or who may have information relevant to the investigations to report to the nearest police station.
“We appeal to members of the public to assist investigations. All reports will be treated confidentially,” she said.
Police say more charges could be added should additional complainants come forward.
For many women who regularly use the Mpilo-UCE route, the arrest has brought relief and renewed hope that one of the city’s most feared alleged predators may finally face justice.
