Gweru shop blaze: Police arrest two suspects after US$17,000 theft

Police in Gweru have arrested two suspects following a fire that gutted four shops in the city centre.

The incident happened at a commercial building along 6th Street in Gweru’s central business district.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrests following investigations into the incident.

Officers apprehended Tephilia Sapphire, 21, and Norman Mashindi, 34, on Thursday, October 29.

According to police, the suspects allegedly stole electronic devices before setting one of the shops ablaze.

The stolen goods reportedly included mobile phones and laptops worth approximately US$17,000.

Police recover US$10,000 worth of stolen gadgets

Following their arrest, detectives searched the suspects’ hotel room and recovered several electronic devices.

The recovered property included mobile phones and laptops valued at approximately US$10,000.

Police discovered the items hidden inside two bags and a 50kg sack.

ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Nyathi confirmed the arrests and outlined the progress of the investigation.

“On 29/10/26, Police in Gweru acted on a tip-off and arrested Tephilia Sapphire (21) and Norman Mashindi (34) in connection with a fire incident which occurred on 23/10/26 at a building along 6th Street, Gweru CBD, in which four shops were destroyed,” said Comm Nyathi.

“Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly stole cellphones and laptops valued at US$17 000.00 from one of the shops before setting the shop on fire.

“Police have since recovered cellphones and laptops valued at approximately US$10 000.00 from the suspects’ hotel room.

“The items were concealed in a black monarch bag, a travelling bag and a 50 kg sack.”

The arrests mark a significant development in investigations into the Gweru CBD fire.

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