Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A SUSPECTED serial housebreaker who allegedly terrorised female-headed homes around Birchenough Bridge has been arrested after police tracked him to a hideout in the mountains.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Fungai Dhliwayo (31) was arrested by Nyanyadzi officers on 7 November in connection with a string of unlawful entry and theft cases that left women in the area living in fear.
He said Dhliwayo had turned burglary into a full-time operation.
“On 07/11/25, Police in Nyanyadzi arrested Fungai Dhliwayo (31) in connection with a series of unlawful entry and theft cases which occurred at Birchenough Bridge Growth Point and surrounding areas,” said Comm Nyathi.
Dhliwayo would strike, then disappear into the mountains.
“The suspect is linked to 10 cases of unlawful entry and theft, in which he allegedly targeted female-headed households and unattended homesteads, stealing gas tanks, groceries, blankets, clothes and other goods,” said Comm Nyathi.
The dramatic arrest came after police acted on intelligence, leading them to a mountain near Birchenough Bridge. There, officers reportedly found his secret stash of stolen goods.
“Police recovered various stolen items, including kitchen utensils, clothes, shoes and blankets hidden at the suspect’s hideout in a mountain near Birchenough Bridge,” said Comm Nyathi.
Some of the recovered property has already been identified by victims who said they had given up hope of ever seeing their belongings again.
Villagers told police Dhliwayo as quiet, calculating and elusive. Some claimed they had seen him loitering near shops, pretending to be waiting for transport.
Police have urged communities to tighten security around their homes and report suspicious behaviour before crimes escalate.
Meanwhile, Dhliwayo is expected to appear in court soon facing multiple counts of unlawful entry and theft.
