Four held over 100-day car robbery spree

Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]

FOUR Harare men allegedly went on a 100-day car robbery spree, targeting motorists who slowed down or stopped at intersections before their luck ran out after detectives tracked them through a cellphone .

Terence Wachenuka (19), Onsimo Nyasha Kusekera (20), Blessing Rugwinya (26) and Joshua Mutungamiri Chirata (18) were arrested by detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and are now facing charges linked to six cases of robbery of motor vehicles and one theft of motor vehicle case.

The quartet allegedly operated between May 2 and August 12, using different tactics to dispossess motorists of their vehicles and valuables.

CID national spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri said the suspects would target motorists who had slowed down or stopped at intersections.

“The suspects would waylay motorists who would have slowed down or stopped at intersections before robbing them of their vehicles. In one of the cases which occurred on 2 May 2026, the suspects allegedly pounced on a motorist who had stopped at an intersection to give way to oncoming traffic,” she said.

The suspects allegedly forced open the vehicle doors, shoved the motorist into the rear passenger seat and dumped him in Whitehouse before speeding off in his vehicle.

On May 14, the suspects allegedly struck again, this time targeting a taxi driver and getting away with his Toyota Sienta. The vehicle was later recovered abandoned in Kuwadzana 6.

On June 27, the quartet allegedly robbed another motorist of a Toyota RunX, US$1 200 cash and other valuables.

In another case on August 8, the suspects allegedly used a different tactic to steal a Toyota Raum.

According to Det Insp Muteweri, the complainant had offered a lift to three men who said they wanted to travel to Kuwadzana Extension.

“Along the way, the trio allegedly requested to pick up their sister, to which the complainant agreed. Upon arrival at the purported destination, the suspects pretended to have lost their way.

“The complainant became suspicious, but before he could take any action, the trio robbed the complainant of his Toyota Raum,” she said.

The vehicle was recovered on August 12, abandoned in a ditch along Lake Chivero Road in Whitecliff after it had been involved in an accident.

A toy gun and cellphone were recovered from the wrecked vehicle.

The cellphone proved to be the crucial break for detectives, who used it to track down the suspects.

“Follow-up investigations were conducted, leading to the arrest of Wachenuka. He admitted to have participated in the commission of the crimes together with his accomplices, who were subsequently arrested,” said Det Insp Muteweri.

She said the suspects were now clearing six cases of robbery of motor vehicles and one theft of motor vehicle case.

The police have since warned motorists against offering lifts to strangers.

“Your vigilance can prevent crime,” said Det Insp Muteweri.