The Zimbabwe Republic Police have arrested a notorious gang of “highway” robbers who allegedly targeted commuters seeking private transport across Harare. The alleged syndicate is accused of terrorising travellers for five months, from July 2025 to November 2025, by offering lifts before robbing passengers of money, phones and other valuables.
Arrests End Five-Month Reign Of Terror
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrest of seven suspects alleged to be behind the five-month robbery spree, in a press statement dated 24th November 2025. The named suspects are Tawanda Macheka (30), Dennis Manyonga (34), Kudzanai Tirivani (31), Leslie Mudenda (31), Loreen Mundetani (27), Kenneth Pick (39), and Nyasha Gweshe (33).
Introducing the arrests, police stated:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of seven suspects in connection with a series of robbery cases which occurred in Harare and surrounding areas between July 2025 and November 2025.”
Detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad arrested the group on 20th November 2025 after following intelligence that linked the suspects to multiple reported incidents.
Modus Operandi And Victim Accounts
Police said the gang allegedly used several vehicles to lure commuters needing private transport. According to the official statement:
“Investigations reveal that the suspects targeted commuters by posing as genuine motorists travelling to the victims’ intended destinations. They would offer lifts and during the journey rob them of cash, cellphones and other valuables.”
The group is currently linked to 17 robbery cases, all following a pattern in which victims were allegedly instructed to “close the car door using both hands”, giving the suspects a chance to search pockets and bags unnoticed.
A public warning shared online also highlighted similar allegations. In a post dated 23rd November 2025, Matrix Zw wrote:
“Iri ndiro team rinorova iya inonzi Vancho!! Vanokupa lift, wava mumota vokuti vhara door remota harisi kuvhara zvakanaka, while you are concentrating nekuvhara door vanenge vachiku secha.”
(This is the team notorious for perpetrating what is known as Vancho!! They offer you a lift, and once inside the car they tell you the door isn’t closing properly, and while you focus on closing it, they search you.)
Recovered Items And Police Appeal
Police reported recovering several smartphones, handbags and clothing items believed to have been taken during the alleged robberies.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
“We applaud members of the public for providing credible information that led to the arrest of the suspects.”
The police also encouraged commuters to use registered transport services and avoid private vehicles or mushikashika crews.
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