Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
POLICE in Chipinge have arrested four suspects linked to a series of robberies and thefts across the district and the authorities have recovered property valued at about US$10,000.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the arrest of Jayden Domingo for allegedly stealing clothes and shoes valued at over US$2,000 from a flea market.
He was arrested while wearing some of the stolen clothes.
“During the period between November 30, 2025, and February 10, 2026, Domingo targeted the Chipinge Musika flea market, where he unlawfully entered a secured fence yard on separate occasions to steal property packed for safekeeping.
“He stole three sacks containing assorted clothing and shoes belonging to Sipiwe Mhlanga and another one belonging to Hardlife Gwenzi.
“The accused was arrested on February 16, 2026, following a tip-off received by the police.
“Upon arrest at his homestead, the accused was found wearing clothing positively identified as part of the stolen stock belonging to Sipiwe Mhlanga.
“He subsequently led the police to Maunganidze Village in Birchenough Bridge, where the remainder of the stolen property was recovered.
“The value stolen from Mhlanga is US$1,487 and from Gwenzi is US$650. The total value stolen is US$2,137, and property valued at US$1,461 was recovered.”
Police also arrested two people for allegedly stealing a motorbike and then selling it to a mechanic.
Brian Komichiyana has since been jailed for three years for the offence while his suspected accomplice, Stanford Muchuwete, is still before the courts.
“On August 13, 2025, Komichiyana and Stan Muchuwete met at Gaza O to plan the theft of motorcycles in the Chipinge and Chimanimani areas.
“On August 15, 2025, Muchuwete executed the plan by luring complainant Lovemore Lusiwana (20) of Pfumo Village, Chief Ngorima, into a game of pool at Machongwe Business Centre.
“Under the guise of a friendly request, Muchuwete obtained permission to ride the complainant’s red Lifan D motorcycle, which he then used to flee and meet Komichiyana.
“The duo rode the motorcycle to Birchenough Bridge, where they sold it to a repair shop for US$300, receiving an initial cash deposit of US$50.
“Court proceedings resulted in the separation of the trial for Komichiyana, whose matter remains pending. Muchuwete was found guilty by the Chipinge Magistrates’ Court and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, with one year suspended for five years on usual conditions,” said Ass-Insp Chinyoka.
A suspected serial burglar, Brian Mugido, is in custody assisting police with investigations after he was found with motorbikes and an assortment of electrical goods at his homestead.
“On January 15, 2025, police arrested Mugidho at Whittington Farm following reports that he was in possession of a large quantity of suspected stolen goods.
“Mugidho, a known habitual criminal, confessed to a wide range of crimes, including the burglary of Robert Maposa’s shop at Boscolf Business Centre, where he used a hammer and iron bar to steal goods and cash totaling US$641.
“His confession further detailed the theft of electronic gadgets, such as several motorcycles, laptops, speakers, a generator, a battery, eight cellphones and gas tanks.
“Investigations are still underway, as there are multiple complainants,” said Ass-Insp Chinyoka.
He added that the value of stolen property in all the cases is around US$10,000
Mathew Masinge