Three Arrested in Zvishavane Housebreaking Spree
Three Zvishavane men have pleaded guilty to 11 counts involving unlawful entry, theft and theft from a motor vehicle following investigations into a series of night-time break-ins in the mining town.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Zvishavane — Three Zvishavane men have been arrested in connection with 11 counts of unlawful entry into premises and theft, as well as theft from a motor vehicle, committed in the mining town between June 17 and August 6, 2026.
The suspects are Abisha Mafa (23), Nigel Antony (25) and Junior Michael Moyo (21), all from Zvishavane.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, the Criminal Investigation Department’s Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, said the arrests followed investigations into a series of night-time break-ins reported in and around Zvishavane.
“The arrests followed investigations by detectives from CID Zvishavane after they received a number of reports involving night-time break-ins in and around Zvishavane,” Muteweri said.
She said Detectives, with the assistance of network service providers, managed to track one of the stolen cellphones to Antony, who was arrested in Mandava on August 5.
“During interviews, Antony implicated Mafa and Moyo as his accomplices. The two suspects were subsequently arrested during an early morning operation on 6 August 2026,” Muteweri said.
Investigations established that the suspects allegedly acted in common purpose and targeted residential premises, a church and a parked motor vehicle.
The stolen property allegedly included cellphones, laptops, electrical gadgets, cash and other valuables.
Muteweri said that in one of the cases, the suspects allegedly forced open a window at a church in Zvishavane on July 8 and stole two hybrid speakers valued at US$1,500.
“The speakers were subsequently recovered in Mandava following the arrest of the suspects,” she said.
In another case, the suspects allegedly entered a residence through an unlocked door on July 27 and stole two cellphones and US$400 in cash.
The three suspects appeared before the Zvishavane Magistrates Court on August 7, where they pleaded guilty to all 11 counts.
They were remanded in custody to August 12 and 13 for sentencing.
Muteweri said the police remained committed to tackling criminal activity and urged members of the public to strengthen security around their homes and valuables.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police remains committed to protecting communities, disrupting criminal activities and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice,” she said.
She also urged members of the public to remain vigilant, secure their homes and valuables and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.
