FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO – The ZRP Criminal Investigations Department has made a major breakthrough to unveil a number of break ins that rocked the ancient city recently following the arrest of four suspected masterminds behind the crimes.
The four arrested suspects are believed to be behind a series of unlawful entry and theft cases that rocked several suburbs in Masvingo between January and April 2026.
The suspects, Peace Mandizvidza (32), Edward Sibanda (27), Tapiwa Tagwirei (27) and Kumbulani Sibanda (25), are alleged to have carried out coordinated break ins targeting homes in Victoria Ranch, Target Kopje and Runyararo West high-density suburb.
According to a press release from the CID Provincial spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachael Muteweri dated May 5 in the possession of The Midweek Watch, the quartet allegedly took advantage of unattended homes, forcibly gaining entry and stealing a range of household goods.
Stolen items include electrical gadgets, kitchen appliances, solar systems and lithium batteries.
Muteweri said investigations began on April 20 after detectives from CID Masvingo received information linking the suspects to the crimes. This led to the arrest of Mandizvidza on April 26, who reportedly implicated his accomplices. Edward Sibanda was later arrested in Zvishavane, while Tapiwa Tagwirei and Kumbulani Sibanda were apprehended in Victoria Ranch suburb of Masvingo.
Police recovered several stolen items following the arrests including two television sets, a deep freezer, an electric drill, 15 blankets, solar panels and lithium batteries.
In one of the reported incidents, which occurred between February 18 and March 1, the suspects allegedly forced open a locked door, stole a television, fridge, microwave, two lithium batteries and two inverters. Muteweri said the group used a similar method in multiple cases.
The suspects are now linked to 10 counts of unlawful entry and theft and are expected to appear at Masvingo Magistrates Court today(May 6).
Meanwhile, Muteweri said they are appealing for information that could lead to the arrest of another suspect, Mukudzei Ashton Gwanyanya, who remains at large.
Muteweri paid tribute to the public for providing information that led to the arrests and has urged residents to strengthen security measures at their homes to help deter criminal activities.
