Four-Man Gang Arrested Over 19 Vehicle Theft Cases

Kwekwe — Police have arrested four men accused of breaking into parked vehicles and stealing valuables in 19 separate incidents at public car parks in and around Kwekwe between June and September 2026.

The suspects, aged between 48 and 56, were arrested on October 8 at a lodge in Kwekwe where they had booked rooms while allegedly carrying out their criminal activities, Midlands police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko has said.

The suspects are Costa Ngwenya (48) and Sifiso Mapfumo (48) of Cowdrey Park, Njabulo Tshuma (51) of Pumula East and Sikhangele Masuku (56) of Lobengula. All four are from Bulawayo.

The arrest followed intelligence gathered by the Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) during investigations into the theft cases.

Police allege that the four operated together, targeting vehicles parked outside supermarkets, banks and other service centres.

They allegedly forced open the vehicles and stole electronic gadgets, including laptops and mobile phones, as well as handbags, purses containing cash and other valuables.

Some of the stolen property, including laptops and mobile phones, has been recovered and identified by its owners.

Inspector Mahoko said the investigation had so far linked the suspects to 19 criminal dockets, with police pursuing possible links to additional cases.

“The total value stolen in the 19 cases is US$11 986, and property valued at US$3 520 was recovered,” Inspector Mahoko said.

The four suspects appeared before a Kwekwe Magistrate and were remanded in custody to allow investigations to be completed.

They accused quartet were represented by Marufu and Misi Law Practitioners.

Police have since appealed to members of the public who may have information relevant to the investigation to report to CID Kwekwe or any police station.