By Takudziridzwa Nyama
Mufaro Mupandira, 29, and Brandon Chitiyo, 21, have been arrested in connection with several vehicle robbery cases in and around Harare, occurring between December 21 and December 29, 2024.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrests of the two suspects in a statement.
The pair allegedly targeted taxis and private vehicles by posing as genuine passengers.
“Detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad made a follow-up and tracked the suspects, leading to their arrest at the corner of Kenneth Kaunda and Angwa Street in the Harare Central Business District, following a high-speed chase from Simon Muzenda Bus Terminus,” said Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
Following their arrest, police recovered a stolen Mazda Familia vehicle, which had been taken from Golf Club, Beatrice on December 29, 2024.
The suspects reportedly hired the driver from the Boka area in Harare, using the vehicle as a getaway car.
Subsequently, the suspects led detectives to Coventry Road in Harare, where they claimed to have hidden machetes used in their robberies. However, upon arrival at the scene, the suspects attempted to flee and were both shot in the legs by police.
“The suspects are clearing a case of robbery which occurred on December 22, 2024, in Domboshava, where a Honda Fit taxi, registration number AEL 7871, USD 39.00, and a cellphone were stolen. The suspects posed as genuine passengers traveling to Ngomakurira Business Centre, Domboshava. Along the way, the taxi driver was attacked and later dumped at Chabwino Farm, Juru,” added Nyathi in a press statement.
An accomplice of the suspects, Fidelis Muchemwa, is currently at large. Authorities are urging anyone with information that may lead to his arrest to contact the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp at 0712 800 197, or to report to the nearest police station.