Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
EIGHT daring Harare thieves allegedly travelled all the way from the capital city to Chipinge to steal cellphones during sungura maestro, Alick Macheso’s show in the farming community last Saturday.
A total of 21 cellphones were allegedly stolen during the Macheso gig at Dzonzai Night Club in Chipinge.
Lucky ran out of the suspects however, as they were arrested the following day.
Police confirmed the arrest, and identified the eight suspects as Tafadzwa Mapfumo (32), Vincent Mudyariwa (28), Jabulani Makiwa (45), Stanley Moyo (38), Never Roben (39), Shepherd Masocha (35), Tinashe Nyamunda (39) and Nomsa Mutimurefu (23).
They were arrested at a police roadblock on their way back to Harare, with their loot valued at US$2 100.
The eight suspects appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mr Nickson Mangoti on Tuesday, facing theft charges.
Seven of them pleaded guilty to the offence, and were expected back in court yesterday for sentencing.
They were remanded in custody.
The female suspect, Nomsa Mutimurefu, pleaded not guilty, and was acquitted. Mr Thulani Zondwayo appeared for the State.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest, adding that two other suspects fled from the scene.
Some of the victims have since identified their stolen gadgets.
“Between March 22 and 23, 2025, the accused persons were present at Dzonzai Night Club in Chipinge during a musical performance by Alick Macheso.
It is alleged that they pickpocketed 21 cellphones — five Huawei, one Xiaomi, four Itel, one Kgtel, one Stylo, and one MEIZU cellphones. The estimated total value of the stolen cellphones is US$2 100.
“On March 23, at around 7.30am, a police patrol team at Matembudze Business Centre observed a Nissan Sunny (Registration Number AND 0925), being driven by Mapfumo, and an AD Van (Registration Number AFY0342), being driven by Roben. The vehicles stopped at a lay-by along Tanganda-Ngundu Highway, and the occupants exited, surveying the surrounding area.
“Suspecting criminal activity, the patrol team proceeded to Tongogara Turn-Off along Tanganda-Ngundu Highway, and intercepted the Nissan Sunny, which had Mapfumo, Mudyariwa, Makiwa and Moyo. One individual escaped during the interception.
“A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of the 21 stolen cellphones, which were concealed in the dashboard and a satchel that was in the boot.
“The patrol team proceeded to where the AD Van was parked, where Roben, Masocha, Nyamunda and Mutimurefu were present. Upon the team’s arrival, the accused persons attempted to flee on foot. Four individuals were apprehended, while one escaped into the nearby bush.
“Subsequent searches yielded no further recoveries. The accused persons were taken to ZRP Middle Sabi, where they admitted to theft of cellphones at various music events.
“A check was conducted with ZRP Chipinge Urban regarding related reports where some complainants positively identified their cellphones.
“The accused persons were detained at ZRP Chipinge Urban, and investigations are underway,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Online Reporter