Two carjackers arrested in Harare following a high-speed chase

Crime Reporter

Two suspected carjackers who were in the habit of hiring taxi drivers before robbing them of their cars and belongings have been arrested.

The two, Mufaro Mupandira (29) and Brandon Chitiyo (21), both from Overspill, Epworth, were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) in Harare. They are facing three counts of robbery of motor vehicles. CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the arrest.

“On December 21, 2024 and at around 10 am, the suspects, masquerading as genuine customers, approached one of the complainants at Murisa Business Centre, Chitungwiza and hired him to Besa Village Chief Seke, Chitungwiza,” she said.

“Along the way, the suspects robbed the complainant of his motor vehicle, a Honda Fit.”

She said the following day, the duo robbed another complainant of his Honda Fit in Domboshava.

This was after the complainant, who operates a taxi, picked passengers at Chirodzero Business Centre, Domboshava and among the passengers were the two suspects.

“The complainant dropped off the other passengers along the way and the two suspects remained in the vehicle,” she said.

“The suspects later on pounced on the unsuspecting complainant, bundled him into the boot of the vehicle before driving to Chabwino Farm, Juru where they dumped him in a maize field and drove away.”

Using the same modus operandi, the suspects robbed another complainant of his Mazda Familiar on December 29, 2024 in Beatrice.

Luck ran out of the suspects when Detectives from CID Vehicle Theft Squad Harare spotted the stolen motor vehicle in the Harare Central Business District and a chase ensued leading to the suspects’ arrest.

The suspects have since appeared in court and were remanded in custody.

Detective Insp Muteweri said, “As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we would like to underscore the importance of using modern technology as a target hardening measure. The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to urge motorists not to pick up strangers.”