derick.khumalo
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
[email protected]
POLICE have arrested three Zvishavane men who are facing 11 counts of unlawful entry into premises and theft allegedly committed during a 50-day crime spree in the mining town.
The suspects, who are also facing a charge of theft from a motor vehicle, allegedly targeted residential properties, a church and a parked vehicle between June 17 and August 6.
Criminal Investigations Department national spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri identified the suspects as Abisha Mafa (23), Nigel Antony (25) and Junior Michael Moyo (21), all from Zvishavane.
She said the arrests followed investigations by CID detectives in Zvishavane after receiving several reports of night-time break-ins in and around the town.
“With the assistance of network service providers, detectives managed to track one of the stolen cellphones to Nigel Antony, who was arrested in Mandava on 5 August 2026.
“During interviews, Antony implicated Mafa and Moyo as his accomplices. The two suspects were subsequently arrested during an early morning operation on 6 August 2026,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
Investigations established that the three suspects allegedly acted in common purpose, stealing cellphones, laptops, electrical gadgets, cash and other valuables.
In one of the cases, on July 8, the suspects allegedly forced open a window at a church in Zvishavane and stole two hybrid speakers valued at US$1 500.
The speakers were later recovered in Mandava following the arrests.
In another incident on July 27, the suspects allegedly entered a residence through an unlocked door and stole two cellphones and US$400 in cash.
The suspects appeared before the Zvishavane Magistrates Court yesterday, where they pleaded guilty to all 11 counts.
They were remanded in custody to August 12 and 13 for sentencing.
Det Insp Muteweri urged members of the public to remain vigilant, secure their homes and valuables and promptly report suspicious people or activities to the nearest police station.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police remains committed to protecting communities, disrupting criminal activities and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice,” she said.
