Harare – A spate of violent crimes targeting truck drivers and residents has gripped Zimbabwe, prompting police action and raising concerns about security on the nation’s highways and in residential areas.
A cross-border truck driver was recently attacked and robbed on the treacherous detour between Rutenga and Ngundu, a stretch of road on the Beitbridge to Harare highway that, despite being declared complete by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2024, remains a hotspot for criminal activity.
The driver, a Swazi national employed by Mother Truckers, sustained a machete wound during the attack, requiring 20-centimetre sutures at Beitbridge Rural District Hospital. Details remain sketchy, but it is understood that the driver lost his mobile phone, vehicle repair tools, and personal belongings. Following the robbery, he managed to drive to a clinic in Rutenga for initial treatment before proceeding to Beitbridge Hospital for further medical attention.
This incident highlights the ongoing complaints from truckers about the poor condition of detours along that route, making them vulnerable to attacks.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, police have arrested three suspects in connection with a series of robbery and rape cases that terrorised residents of Central Estates and shop operators at Moffat Business Centre in Mvuma last year.
Midlands Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the arrest of Edward Nhokwara (20), Devine Nyasha Gapu (19), and Emmanuel Mavhundutse (22).
“In October 2024, Central Estates residents and shop operators at Moffat Business Centre were terrorised by criminals who pounced on them during the night, threatening them with an axe, demanding cash and other valuables,” Inspector Mahoko said. “They would also rape women after robbing them of their property.”
Inspector Mahoko stated that a total of nine cases were reported to the police, prompting a thorough investigation.
“On February 27, Gapu and Mavhundutse boarded a haulage truck in Chivhu on their way to Mvuma,” he explained. “Upon disembarking from the truck, Gapu snatched the driver’s wallet which had US$290, 400 rand and identity documents.” The suspects fled into a nearby bush, but investigations led to their arrest in Chivhu, where they implicated Nhokwara.
The investigation linked the trio to nine cases of rape and robbery. Inspector Mahoko confirmed that property worth US$1 095 was stolen, with items worth US$271 recovered. Gapu and Mavhundutse have since been sentenced to 20 years in prison each.
In another case highlighting the dangers faced by truck drivers, three suspects have been arrested in Marondera in connection with the robbery of a 30-tonne truck carrying 1,300 boxes of 12 x 2-litre Zimgold cooking oil.
The suspects – Terrence Muzuva (50) from Mabvuku, Harare, Last Mazuva (38) of Kuwadzana extension, Harare, and Fungai Mazarura – allegedly hijacked the truck after one of them grabbed the driver from behind, forcing him to slow down and stop. Another suspect then sprayed pepper spray in the driver’s eyes, tied his legs with a data cable, handcuffed him, and covered his mouth and face with a cloth.
Mashonaland East Province police spokesperson, Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi, confirmed the incident and stated that the suspects would appear in court soon.
The incident occurred on February 14 when Derick Wallace (48) was driving the truck from Harare to Zvishavane. He picked up five hitchhikers after departing Harare around 12pm. One of the hitchhikers disembarked at the Pimbi bus stop along the Harare-Masvingo road.
At the 138 km peg, one of the suspects grabbed the driver from behind, forcing him to slow down and pull over. The suspects then drove the truck about 3km away, unhitched the trailer, and drove off, parking the truck at number 9 Mavise, Mvuma, where they switched off the engine. They stole the driver’s cellphone, US$75, and the truck keys. The driver was left in the vehicle and later sought help from villagers.
The driver reported the incident at ZRP Mvuma, and CID Mvuma attended the scene.
“On February 16, around midnight, a surveillance team spotted the stolen trailer reversing along Leopold Takawira Street in Harare. They alerted CID Homicide, who rushed to the scene and found three people offloading cooking oil from the trailer. The suspects were arrested,” Inspector Chazovachiyi said.
Inspector Chazovachiyi appealed to drivers to exercise caution and refrain from carrying strangers in their vehicles. He also emphasised the importance of promptly reporting any incidents of robbery to the police. Additionally, he advised company owners to consider installing tracking devices in their vehicles as an extra layer of security, as well as conducting thorough background checks on potential drivers before hiring them.
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