Freeman Razemba Senior Reporter Four suspected armed robbers who allegedly targeted motorists in Kuwadzana, Mabelreign and surrounding areas have been arrested. The suspects allegedly waylaid motorists who slowed down…
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Four suspected armed robbers who allegedly targeted motorists in Kuwadzana, Mabelreign and surrounding areas have been arrested.
The suspects allegedly waylaid motorists who slowed down or stopped at intersections before robbing them of their vehicles and valuables.
The incidents occurred between May 2, 2026 and August 12, 2026.
Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the arrests in a statement.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Vehicle Theft Squad has arrested four suspects, namely, Terence Wachenuka (19), Onsimo Nyasha Kusekera (20), Blessing Rugwinya (26) and Joshua Mutungamiri Chirata (18) for a spate of robberies targeting motorists in Kuwadzana, Mabelreign and surrounding areas.
“Between May 2, 2026 and August 12, 2026, the quartet went on a robbery spree. The suspects would waylay motorists who would have slowed down or stopped at intersections before robbing them of their vehicles,” she said.
In one of the cases which occurred on May 2, 2026, the suspects allegedly pounced on a motorist who had stopped at an intersection to give way to oncoming traffic.
They forcibly opened the vehicle doors, shoved the complainant into the rear passenger seat and subsequently dumped him in the Whitehouse area, Harare, before driving away at high speed.
On May 14, 2026, the suspects robbed a taxi driver of his Toyota Sienta using the same modus operandi.
The vehicle was later recovered abandoned in Kuwadzana 6, Harare. On June 27 2026, the quartet robbed another motorist of his Toyota Runx and US$1 200 amongst other valuables.
In another notable incident on August 8, 2026, the complainant offered a lift to three male adults who indicated that they wanted to travel to Kuwadzana Extension and, 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.
“The vehicle was subsequently recovered on August 12, 2026, abandoned in a ditch along Lake Chivero Road in Whitecliff, where it had been involved in an accident. A toy gun and a cellphone were recovered from the dumped vehicle.
“The cellphone became a crucial lead in the subsequent investigations. Follow-up investigations were conducted, leading to the arrest of Terence Wachenuka. He admitted to having participated in the commission of the crimes together with his accomplices, who were subsequently arrested,” Insp Muteweri said.
She said the quartet is now clearing a total of six cases of robbery of motor vehicles and one theft of motor vehicle case.
They have since appeared at Harare Magistrate Court this Monday, where they were remanded in custody.
Insp Muteweri said, “The Zimbabwe Republic police continue to warn motorists against offering lifts to strangers. Your vigilance can prevent crime.”
