Police have arrested 10 suspects in connection with a series of robberies where passengers were targeted after boarding Mushikashika vehicles, also known as pirate taxis.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, revealing that the robberies took place in and around Harare’s Central Business District between January 20 and 28, 2025. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of ten suspects in connection with a series of robbery cases in which unsuspecting passengers were targeted after being given lifts in Mushikashika vehicles or pirate taxis in and around the Harare Central Business District between 20th and 28th January 2025.
The suspects are, Liberty Matsika (37), Temptation Mazodze (30), Blessing Murize (32), Rodgers Marufu (26), Golden Tangwanda (38), Admire Makumalo (51), Ashely Bakasa (28), Ndoro Chiriwa Zambezi (28), Stanley Matarutse (48) and Nyasha Kamujoma (32).
The arrests follow robbery incidents in recent weeks where criminals would utilize “mushikashika” vehicles, especially, Honda Fit, Toyota Fun Cargo, Vitz and Sienta, to lure and rob passengers.
During the period between 20th to 28th January 2025, Police tracked the suspects in and around Harare Central Business District after receiving information which linked them to the 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 27th January 2025.
Additionally, the suspects are clearing a robbery case which occurred in the Majubheki area, Mbare, Harare where USD 185.00 and two cellphones were stolen from a passenger who had been offered a lift in a Sienta vehicle, registration number AFZ 1190 from Harare Central Business District to Mbare.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that the public should avoid boarding pirate taxis or mushikashika vehicles and should use registered public service vehicles.
Above all, the public should remain vigilant and report any suspicious criminal activities to the police on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800197 or report at any nearest Police Station.
</blockquote>

Pindula News

Police in Zimbabwe have arrested 10 people for robbing passengers in pirate taxis called Mushikashika. The robberies happened in Harare between January 20 and 28, 2025. The suspects used vehicles like Honda Fit and Toyota Vitz to trick passengers and steal from them. The police tracked them down and found phones, money, and other things they stole. They are also linked to other robbery cases in the area. The police say people should not use pirate taxis and should report any suspicious behavior to them.

Police Arrest 10 Over Spate Of Robberies In Mushikashika Vehicles

Police have declared that only officially registered kombis with valid documents will be allowed to operate as public service vehicles. This is part of the ongoing operation called “No to mushikashika and lawlessness on the roads.”
In a statement on January 28, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged travelers not to board dilapidated kombis, especially those without registration plates or with windows covered by cardboard or other materials.
Nyathi said the ZRP is taking strong action against unregistered kombis that are currently picking up passengers along the Chitungwiza-Harare Central Business District route and dropping them off before the Seke Bridge. The statement reads:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police expresses appreciation to the public for the support and cooperation given towards the ongoing operation, “No to mushikashika and lawlessness on the roads”.
The Police reiterates that only duly registered kombis with all the relevant and verifiable documents will be allowed to carry passengers from one point to another as public service vehicles.
In this regard, no unregistered kombis or pirate taxis will be allowed to conduct business as public service vehicles.
The Police urges all kombi owners to lead by example and ensure that anyone intending to operate a public service vehicle business duly complies with the country’s road rules and regulations.
In other words, all kombis moving on the roads must be registered and licenced through the Government relevant arms.
On the other hand, the Police implores passengers or the travelling public not to board ramshackled or dilapidated kombis including those with no registration plates or with windows or screen covered by cardboard boxes and other materials.
The public should also assist in the promotion of public safety by not boarding or waiting for transport at undesignated points as the practice disrupt the smooth flow of traffic.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police Command is taking decisive action on corrupt elements within the rank and file of the Police.
This include some unregistered kombi operators who are now working in cahoots with unruly elements to perpetuate corrupt activities on the roads.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police is taking decisive action on unregistered kombis which are now picking passengers on the Chitungwiza -Harare Central Business District route and dropping them before the Seke Bridge.
The Commissioner-General of Police, Stephen Mutamba has directed Police Commanders to ensure that duly registered and compliant kombis are allowed passage at Police check points without being inconvenienced.
</blockquote>

Police want people to only use registered kombis with the right papers. They don't want passengers to use unsafe kombis with no registration plates or covered windows. The police are cracking down on illegal kombis picking up passengers and dropping them off illegally. They are also warning against corrupt activities on the roads. The police want everyone to follow the rules and ensure safety on the roads. Passenger should not use illegal kombis and should only wait at designated points for transport. The police are working to make sure only legal kombis are allowed to operate.

Police Urge Commuters To Avoid Boarding Rickety And Unregistered Kombis

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reassured motorists that they will not face arrest or inconvenience at roadblocks as long as they adhere to the country’s road rules and regulations.
This comes in response to concerns raised by some motorists about unnecessary delays during the ZRP’s “No to Mushikashika, Pirate Taxis and Lawlessness on the Roads” operation.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation targets those picking up and dropping passengers at undesignated points, creating imaginary lanes, and operating without proper permits or vehicle fitness. The goal is to ensure road safety and order for all motorists.
Commissioner Nyathi encouraged all drivers to follow traffic rules and cooperate with police officers to maintain a smooth and safe driving experience.
He also warned that anyone attempting to bribe police officers would face stern action. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police notes and appreciates the varied comments on social media by the public and interested groups on the operation, “No to Mushikashika, Pirate Taxis and Lawlessness on the Roads”.
In this regard, the Police implores all motorists to be law-abiding citizens by exhibiting good driving conduct on the roads.
The current operation will target everybody who is posing as a danger to other innocent motorists by causing congestion, picking and dropping passengers at undesignated points, creating imaginary lanes, driving against the flow of traffic (one-way) and those operating as Public Service Vehicles but they do not have relevant permits, route authority and vehicle fitness.
The Police is aware that some kombi operators and crew have removed red plates and are now operating with yellow plates while playing hide and seek with law enforcement officers.
The Police will therefore arrest anyone engaged in reckless driving conduct irrespective of the fact that one is driving a company vehicle, family vehicle or Public Service Vehicle. The law is the law. Let us all comply for the effective maintenance of law and order in the country and road safety.
In the same vein, those motorists who will try to bribe Zimbabwe Republic Police members will face stern action.
Transporters or public service vehicle operators should ensure that their drivers follow the law and are exemplary on the roads.
All in all, no one will be arrested or inconvenienced by the Police as long as one is driving properly and following the country’s road rules and regulations.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that all Zimbabweans should cooperate with Police officers deployed for this operation in order to promote road safety for all.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is cracking down on illegal taxis and dangerous driving. They want everyone to follow the road rules to keep everyone safe. The police will target anyone causing problems on the roads, like blocking traffic or driving recklessly. They are especially looking out for pirate taxis and mushikashika operators. The police are warning against bribing officers and remind everyone to cooperate with them. As long as people drive safely and follow the rules, they won't have any problems with the police. It's important for everyone to work together to make the roads safe for everyone.

ZRP Cracks Down On Mushikashika, Pirate Taxis And Road Lawlessness

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister Anxious Masuka has called on police officers to cease chasing after pirate taxis (mushikashika) and illegal commuter buses (kombis) that are violating traffic laws, to prevent further accidents on the roads, reported <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200034564/end-mushikashika-pursuits-police-told">NewsDay</a>.
Speaking in his capacity as Acting Leader of Government Business during a Parliamentary session last Thursday, Minister Masuka emphasized the importance of enforcing road safety without endangering public lives. He said:
<blockquote>
I firstly said that people who are engaging in mushikashika are chasing each other with the police officers. Most of the time, it causes accidents and some people end up dying during those accidents. So, I am encouraging everyone to follow all the laws.
When police officers try to catch these people, they [mushikashika crews] run away and for police officers to desist from chasing people, we have come up with cameras which are being installed so that the perpetrator is seen on the camera from the number plate to the driver, hence summons will be sent to that responsible person causing chaos on the roads.
By doing so, we eliminate the issue of the cat-and-mouse chases between the police and the mushikashika crews in town.
</blockquote>
Masuka reiterated that all passenger vehicles must be properly registered. He also said that the government is in the process of installing surveillance cameras at key roadblocks and traffic lights to enhance enforcement of traffic regulations. He said:
<blockquote>
The issue is that there are cars which are allowed to ferry people and those cars are known. There are also other cars which are carrying people, but they are not registered to do so, especially the mushikashika cars that carry people around town and pick up passengers from undesignated points.
Government is in the process of installing cameras at all roadblocks and robots. They are expecting to increase more where they are going to capture the number plate of the car and the picture of the person. They also see who the owner of the car is and see whether the car is registered to ferry people or not.
</blockquote>
Masuka revealed that the Minister of Home Affairs plans to implement a system that links vehicle registration to the individual’s personal details, including their national identity information and bank account records. He said:
<blockquote>
We do this so that when they cause trouble or breach the law, all the things will be centred into their personal accounts to the extent that the money can be deducted without their knowledge soon after they have committed an offence on the road or caused accidents.
We are encouraging all people to follow the law and as Zimbabweans, we must use transport that is registered to ferry people.
Still on the transport issue, ZUPCO and other bus operators are also being encouraged to increase the number of buses and cars to ferry people legally so that commuters have more than enough transport and so that they do not end up resorting to the mushikashikas.
</blockquote>
Hurungwe East legislator Chenjerai Kangausaru (ZANU PF) had suggested that the public should record the registration numbers of vehicles being pursued by law enforcement and report them to police stations, rather than allowing dangerous chases to continue. He argued that the chaos often caused by police pursuits in towns could be avoided by this approach.
Chikanga MP Lynette Karenyi-Kore (CCC) had questioned the government on its support for individuals injured or killed in accidents, particularly when these incidents are caused by police chases, often involving innocent victims.
She had asked whether there is a government policy for compensating the families of those affected, including children or spouses left behind.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Minister Anxious Masuka wants police to stop chasing after illegal taxis and buses to prevent accidents. He says cameras will be used to catch offenders. The government is installing cameras at roadblocks and traffic lights to enforce traffic rules. Vehicles must be registered to carry passengers. The Minister of Home Affairs plans to link vehicle registration to personal details. People are encouraged to use registered transport. Lawmakers suggest reporting illegal vehicles instead of police chases. They also question government support for victims of accidents caused by police pursuits.

Minister Urges Police To Stop Chasing Pirate Taxis, Kombis To Prevent Accidents

A mushikashika crew, a driver and his conductor have been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting two traffic police officers in Waterfalls, Harare.
The suspects, Kudakwashe Chigeregomo (23) and Emmanuel Denhere (18), both residents of Kuwadzana, kidnapped and assaulted Constables Godknows Maretawona (36) and Isaac Manjokoto (33), who are stationed at the Mbare Traffic Police Station.
The two police officers were at an intersection in Waterfalls, where they were deployed to maintain order at the busy intersection.
The cops arrested the pirate taxi driver and his conductor who were illegally carrying passengers in a grey Nissan AD van (AGE 6658) without an operator’s licence.
The two police officers boarded the car and ordered Kudakwashe to drive to Mbare Traffic Police Post at Masteps in Hopley.
Rather than complying with the police officers’ instructions, Kudakwashe drove the vehicle toward the east along Forbes Road, ultimately colliding with a precast wall of a house, which brought the vehicle to a halt.
Both Kudakwashe and Emmanuel attacked the two police officers, repeatedly striking them on the head and face with unidentified objects.
The assault was captured on video and shared widely on social media by an unidentified individual.
The cops eventually called for backup from their office and managed to subdue the suspects.
They sustained head injuries from the assault and were rushed to Sally Mugabe Hospital for treatment.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of the two men, adding that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mushikashika Crew Arrested For Kidnapping And Assaulting Cops In Harare

Bulawayo residents have urged authorities to consider regularising the unregistered pirate taxi operators (mushikashika) to tackle the transport crisis in the city.
The ongoing blitz by Bulawayo City Council (BCC) and police against errant kombi and pirate taxi operators has resulted in transport challenges for commuters which leave many stranded during peak hours.
The local authority together with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) launched the operation against pirate taxis and kombis defying a directive to move to the upgraded Egodini bus terminus.
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/regularise-pirate-taxis-council-urged/">Chronicle</a>, Bulawayo United Residents Association (BURA) chairman Winos Dube said there is a need for the council and leaders of taxi associations to meet to map a way forward. He said:
<blockquote>
Pirate taxis are also an interested party in the transport sector because, in some suburbs, residents rely on them for transport. Authorities must also try and engage them to regularise their operations.
These pirate taxi operators also pose a danger to human life as they are always speeding whenever they encounter police.
They should be registered in terms of the law and offered places of operation.
</blockquote>
The Mayor of Bulawayo, Councillor David Coltart said the local authority is not opposed to registering pirate taxis as long as they abide by the law. He said:
<blockquote>
If there are public entities interested in operating in the transport sector they have to apply and follow the necessary channels.
This is done to protect the people from harm, as most of these taxis are driven by unlicensed individuals.
They need to be properly licensed and go through a vetting system. We cannot, as a city, have an unregulated system that causes chaos and mayhem.
</blockquote>
The transport crisis has mostly affected commuters from the city’s northern and eastern suburbs which are only serviced by pirate taxis.
A Honda Fit driver, who plies the Matopos road route, Dumani Ndhlovu told the Chronicle that they are willing to cooperate with police and the council for them to regularise their operations.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Council Urged To Regularise "Mushikashika"

Thousands of commuters in Harare and other urban cities and towns are struggling to find transport to and fro work following the launch of an operation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) targetting unlicensed commuter omnibuses and pirate taxis (mushikashika).
Police launched the operation “Tame the Traffic Jungle” across all provinces of the country starting on 12 September 2023.
According to ZRP spokesman, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the “operation has been necessitated by the lawlessness on the roads especially in major cities and towns”.
In Harare, some kombis were dropping off commuters before their destinations to avoid police roadblocks on major roads leading to the city centre.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200016623/police-blitz-leaves-commuters-stranded">NewsDay</a>, Tinashe Muturikwa, a commuter, said the police operation was meant to punish urban dwellers for voting for the opposition CCC. He said:
<blockquote>
We are struggling to get transport. Police are just everywhere disrupting us from getting transport home.
Personally, I feel the government is punishing us for overwhelmingly voting for CCC. It’s the same with regard to electricity.
</blockquote>
Police officers have reportedly been impounding vehicles without charging drivers or vehicle owners.
Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors president Frederick Maguramhinga told NewsDay that the operation is a noble initiative but they are not happy with how it is being implemented. He said:
<blockquote>
What is happening on the ground is that even the vehicles with the necessary documentation are now being impounded.
The process of acquiring papers is difficult because we don’t have a one-stop shop, we don’t access papers online and the papers also take time to come out.
We want the operation to have phases, for instance, vehicles that are 70% compliant are different from vehicles with zero compliance.
</blockquote>
However, Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) president Tafadzwa Goliath commended the Government for launching the blitz. He said:
<blockquote>
Government must craft a transport policy. We don’t have one currently. But the operation is good, it might bring sanity to cities.
The operation will also protect civilians from getting robbed by drivers of cars posing as mushikashika.
</blockquote>
This is not the first time that the ZRP has launched an operation to curb lawlessness on the country’s roads in recent times.
Police have previously initiated operations to bring sanity to the roads lasting two weeks at a time, but Mushikashika returned to the road as soon are the operation came to an end.
Critics argue that these operations have failed to bring lasting solutions to “traffic jungles” in towns and have only fattened the pockets of corrupt police officers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZRP Operation “Tame The Traffic Jungle” Leaves Commuters Stranded

A 24-year-old woman from Shurugwi narrowly escaped death after she was pushed out of a speeding Honda Fit vehicle by robbers in Gweru on Sunday night.
The woman was also stripped naked and robbed of her valuables worth US$200 including US$80 cash and an Itel cellphone.
ZRP Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/naked-woman-thrown-out-of-speeding-honda-fit-after-robbery/">Chronicle</a>.
Insp Mahoko said the incident occurred on 26 March around 9 PM at Claybank Traffic Circle
He said the complainant boarded a white Honda fit at the Cathedral bus stop in Gweru intending to go to Shurugwi.
Inside the vehicle, he said, were four male occupants including the driver. He said:
<blockquote>
The police are investigating a robbery case in which a 24-year-old woman from Shurugwi was robbed of cash and property worth US$200.
The incident occurred on March 26 around 9 PM near Claybank roundabout in Gweru
Upon reaching Clay bank roundabout, Gweru, two male adult passengers jumped from the boot and sat in the back seat beside the complainant.
</blockquote>
It is alleged that one of the robbers allegedly hit the woman on the forehead with an iron bar and took her Itel P38 cell phone, a bag containing various clothes, cash us$80 and the clothes she was wearing.
He then pushed the complainant out of the vehicle and drove towards Shurugwi. Said Insp Mahoko:
<blockquote>
The complainant then walked to Gweru Provincial Hospital where she was assisted with clothes. A report was made at ZRP Gweru Central and the scene was attended.
No arrests were made. The total value stolen is US $200 and nothing was recovered.
</blockquote>
The suspects are still at large and members of the public who might have information leading to the arrest of the four robbers are urged to report to any nearest police station.
Insp Mahoko appealed to the public to board public service vehicles as they appear to be safer than Mushikashika vehicles.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Mushikashika Crew" Strip Woman Naked And Throw Her Out Of Moving Vehicle

Members of the public say unregistered public transport vehicles and illegal taxis commonly known as mushikashika are causing traffic congestion and should be removed as a matter of urgency.
There has been an increase in the number of mushikashika vehicles which pick up and drop passengers at undesignated points causing traffic congestion on main roads during peak hours.
Mushikashika is illegal and the operators are always engaged in running battles with police in the city centre and this has resulted in serious accidents.
A survey by <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/surge-in-mushikashikas-disrupts-city-traffic/">The Herald</a> on Monday, 20 March revealed that along Leopold Takawira Street, behind Queen Elizabeth School, there were operators ferrying people to Westgate, Marlborough, Greencroft, Avondale, Chinhoyi, Karoi and even Kariba.
Westgate roundabout was inundated with mushikashika vehicles in the form of Toyota Vitz, Toyota Wish,Toyota Noah, blocking traffic.
Other undesignated pick-up points in the city centre included the intersection of Joseph Msika Street and Robert Mugabe Road, corner Sam Nujoma Street and Leonid Brezhnev Avenue, among other roads.
Pauline Sunganoyemoyo, said things had normalised when the government banned kombies and established the ZUPCO monopoly in 2020. Said Sunganoyemoyo:
<blockquote>
Things were getting back to normal when all public transport operators were ordered to operate under the ZUPCO franchise.
Mushikashika was low, but when the transport system was liberalised, mushikashika including kombis resurfaced and now they are a menace in the city centre.
</blockquote>
Another citizen, Freddy Dhliwayo, urged the police to eradicate mushikashika from the country’s roads. He said:
<blockquote>
The mushikashika operators are causing a lot of trouble in the city centre. Recently, a woman was nearly run over by a vehicle that was escaping from the police.
We want the police to act and remove all those operating in undesignated areas.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"ZUPCO Monopoly Was Better", Mushikashikas Irk Citizens

The Zimbabwe Passenger Company (ZUPCO) at the weekend reduced inner-city fares in all trading currencies.
In Bulawayo, ZUPCO reduced fares from ZWL$300 to ZWL$250 and from R7 to R5.
Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) president Tafadzwa Goliati commended ZUPCO for the move saying it will provide respite to commuters. He said:
<blockquote>
This is a good move which has been taken by the Government as it will help to reduce the burden being worsened by economic hardship.
</blockquote>
Goliati, however, urged ZUPCO to increase efficiency and deploy commuter omnibuses in areas where there is a shortage.
He added that having reliable ZUPCO buses will also ensure the safety of members of the public as they won’t be forced to resort to Mushikashika (pirate taxis) where they will be at risk of being robbed. | <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zupco-reduces-fares-2/">Chronicle</a>

ZUPCO Slashes Inner-city Fares

The City of Bulawayo is mulling a clampdown on pirate taxis, mostly Honda Fit vehicles, which are causing congestion and disorder in the central business district (CBD).
The pirate taxis pick up and drop off passengers at undesignated points resulting in unnecessary congestion.
According to the latest council minutes, Bulawayo councillors said the relevant by-laws should be enforced to remove the pirate taxis from the city’s roads. The minutes read in part:
(Ward 4) Councillor S. (Silas) Chigora applauded Council for the recently ended clean-up campaign and the enforcement of vending by-laws.
<blockquote>
He also applauded other stakeholders who had assisted the council in this operation.
He felt that enforcement should continue and also be extended to illegal pirate taxis, mostly Honda Fits. Illegal pirate taxis had invaded areas adjacent to the City Hall.
There was a lot of fouling in those areas. The relevant by-laws should be enforced. A clean City attracted investors.
</blockquote>
In response, Deputy Mayor Councillor Mlandu Ncube assured councillors that the pirate taxis menace will be attended to. He said:
<blockquote>
The enforcement would also be done on illegal pirate taxis. Councillors should also attend Committee meetings and raise issues and their suggested solutions to some of the problems affecting the city.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.bmetro.co.zw/honda-fit-menace-worry/">B-Metro</a>

Bulawayo Council Mulls Clampdown On Pirate Taxis

Police in Plumtree, Matabeleland South Province, arrested 55 drivers and impounded at least 29 vehicles during a seven-day operation code name “i-number plate ingaphi/ number plate iripi” (where is the vehicle number plate?).
The operation, which covered both rural and urban areas, business centres and highways and ended on Tuesday, was aimed at curbing traffic lawlessness thereby reducing road traffic accidents.
Police said they noted that unregistered vehicles were being used to commit crimes such as armed robbery, murder, kidnapping and smuggling. Police said in a statement:
<blockquote>
It has also been observed that the mushikashika vehicles and kombis that are being contracted to ZUPCO were carrying passengers across the district and these have removed number plates to avoid being identified.
The seven-day operation which was conducted in the district resulted in 55 arrests and 29 vehicles were impounded for infringing the temporary identification card facility.
The operation led to the confiscation of those vehicles without relevant papers.
</blockquote>
Police said some motorists had become so rogue that they were defying police signals to stop at roadblocks and checkpoints.
Others were allegedly so daring that if a police officer stood in their way, they were prepared to knock them down. | <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/55-arrested-29-plumtree-vehicles-impounded/">The Sunday News</a>

Police Impound 29 Vehicles, Arrest 55 Drivers In Plumtree

A speeding wanted robber who was driving a stolen vehicle allegedly caused the road accident that claimed six lives in Mutare recently.
According to <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/robber-killed-in-accident-with-stolen-vehicle/">The Manica Post</a>, one of the Honda Fit vehicles that were involved in the accident that killed six people near Mutare Teachers’ College on Sunday morning had been stolen in Chipinge the previous week.
The mastermind of the robbery was driving the car and he died on the spot.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Manicaland Province, Inspector Nobert, Muzondo confirmed the development.
He said that the driver of the stolen vehicle was Tawanda Chitambo (31) of Chikanga 1 in Mutare.
Chitambo had stolen the Honda Fit he was driving from Takudzwa Ngqobi (20) in Chipinge on 29 August.
Insp Muzondo further revealed that police were hunting for Chitambo’s two accomplices in the robbery who were still at large. He said:
<blockquote>
During enquiries to establish the registered owner of the Honda Fit, it was established that the vehicle had been stolen from a taxi operator plying the Mt Selinda-Chipinge route.
Investigations revealed that Mr Ngqobi was hired by the three suspects to ferry them to Mutakura Dam Turn-off.
They lied to the complainant that they wanted to visit a sick relative. The complainant agreed and charged them US$10.
When they arrived at their intended destination, the suspects ordered the complainant to drive further into the bush where they robbed him of his car, US$80 and a cellphone. They tied him up and fled from the scene.
The complainant later freed himself and made a police report.
</blockquote>
Chitambo reportedly started using the stolen vehicle as a pirate tax and was killed in the accident on 4 September after he had picked up passengers in Mutare.

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