Crime writer
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested 10 robbers suspected to have robbed passengers boarding Mushikashika vehicles.
According to ZRP spokesman, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the robberies occurred in Harare central business district between 20 and 28 January 2025.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of 10 suspects in connection with a series of robberies cases in which unsuspecting passengers were targeted after being given lifts in Mushikashika vehicles or pirate taxis in and around Harare central business district between 20 and 28 January 2025,” said Nyathi in a statement.
“The suspects are Liberty Matsika (37), Temptation Mazodze(30),Blessing Murize(32), Rodgers Marufu(26), Golden Mangwanda (38), Admire Makumalo (51), Ashley Bakasa(28), Ndoro Chirwa Zambezi (28), Stanely Matarutse (48) and Nyasha Kamujoma(32).
“The arrests follows robbery incidents in recent weeks where criminals would utilize Mushikashika vehicles especially Honda Fit, Toyota Fun Cargo, Vits and Sienta, to lure and rob passengers,” said Nyathi.
Nyathi said police managed to apprehend the suspects are investigations.
“During the period between 20 to 28 January 2025 police tracked the suspects in and around Harare central business district after receiving information which linked them to robbery incidents. Subsequently the suspects were arrested leading to the recovery of cellphones, cash and other valuables.
“The suspects are being linked to a robbery case in which a cellphone was stolen from the complainant after he was offered a lift in a Toyota Vitz vehicle along Kirkman road, Harare intending to go to Harare central business district on 27 January.
Additionally the suspects are clearing a robbery case which occured at Majubheki area in Mbare where US$185 and two cellphones were stolen from a passenger who had been offered a lift in a Sienta vehicle from Harare CBD to Mbare,”he added.
Nyathi called on the public not to board Mushikashika vehicles as they risk being robbed.
“The ZRP reiterates that the public should avoid boarding pirate taxis or Mushikashika vehicles and should use the registered public service vehicles,” said Nyathi.