Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime with the arrest of 10 suspects linked to a spate of robberies targeting unsuspecting passengers in and around the Harare Central Business District (CBD).
The arrests, which took place between 20 and 28 January 2025, follow a series of incidents where criminals used unregistered pirate taxis “mushikashika” vehicles to lure and rob passengers.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi identified the suspects as Liberty Matsika (37), Temptation Mazodze (30), Blessing Murize (32), Rodgers Marufu (26), Golden Tangwanda (38), Admire Makumalo (51), Ashely Bakasa (28), Ndoro Chiriwa Zambezi (28), Stanley Matarutse (48), and Nyasha Kamujoma (32).
Comm Nyathi said the suspects were tracked down following a tip-off from members of the public, which enabled the police to close in on the criminals. During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered stolen cellphones, cash, and other valuables believed to have been taken from victims.
One of the cases linked to the suspects involves a robbery that occurred on January 27, 2025 when a complainant was offered a lift in a Toyota Vitz along Kirkman Road, Harare. The victim, who was en-route to the Harare CBD, was robbed of his cellphone.
Another incident took place in the Majubheki area of Mbare, where a passenger was robbed of USD 185.00 and two cellphones after being offered a lift in a Sienta vehicle with registration number AFZ 1190.
Comm Nyathi commended the public for its cooperation, which led to the swift arrest of the suspects. He also urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid boarding unregistered pirate taxis or mushikashika vehicles.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates its warning to the public to avoid using unregistered vehicles for their own safety. We encourage everyone to use registered public service vehicles and to report any suspicious activities to the police through the National Complaints Desk,” he said.
The arrests mark a significant step in the ZRP’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of citizens.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with further investigations as law enforcement officers work to dismantle the entire network involved in these criminal activities.
New Ziana