Zimbabwean authorities have apprehended five of some of the country’s most notorious robbers, bringing an end to their reign of terror that targeted motorists along the Beitbridge-Gwanda Road. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of Bornman Ziweni (37), Believe Shumba (40), David Ratsauka (31), Peter Chinhimbiti (25), and Delight Gwanyanya (33) in connection with a series of robberies in the Beitbridge area.
According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson, Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, the arrests are a significant breakthrough, with the gang now linked to a total of eight robbery cases in Beitbridge and two similar cases in Mwenezi.
“During the period extending from April to July 2025, the gang targeted slow-moving vehicles at a detour, along the Beitbridge- Gwanda Road,” said Detective-Inspector Muteweri in a statement released to the press.
The modus operandi of the gang involved exploiting the vulnerability of vehicles navigating a detour along the highway. They would jump onto the vehicles, cut hydraulic pressure pipes and fuel pipes, forcing drivers to stop before robbing them of valuables.
The breakthrough in the case came on August 6, 2025, when police received information that Bornman Ziweni was the mastermind behind the crimes. “Detectives from CID Beitbridge swiftly reacted to the information leading to his arrest and the subsequent arrest of his accomplices,” Det-Insp Muteweri explained.
Further investigations have revealed the extent of the gang’s criminal activities. On May 10, 2025, at around 10pm, the gang robbed a Scania truck along the Beitbridge-Gwanda Highway as it slowed down at the detour.
Just over a week later, on May 19, 2025, at around 9pm, the gang barricaded the road at Mazunga detour, forcing another truck to stop. They then robbed the driver of US$700, R2000, and a cellphone.
The gang also targeted taxi drivers, using deception to lure their victims before robbing them of their vehicles and valuables. On June 15, 2025, the suspects, masquerading as genuine travellers, hired a taxi driver. Along the way, they robbed him of his motor vehicle and US$450 cash. The vehicle was later recovered dumped along the Beitbridge-Masvingo Road.
Using the same modus operandi, they robbed another taxi driver of his motor vehicle and R6000 on June 17, 2025. The vehicle was recovered dumped in the Dulibadzimu area.
The suspects appeared before the Beitbridge Magistrates Court on August 8, 2025, where they were remanded in custody to August 13, 2025.
Det-Insp Muteweri has appealed to members of the public who may have fallen victim to similar crimes in the Beitbridge area to come forward and identify their recovered property. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is now appealing to members of the public who might have fallen victim in similar circumstances around Beitbridge area to come forward and identify their recovered property,” she said.
EcoCash Agent Robbed in Masvingo
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, an EcoCash agent in Masvingo lost over $7000 to armed robbers who targeted his home in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Sheperd Mutetwa, who operates near Mucheke Rank in Masvingo, was attacked by three suspected robbers at around 1am. The robbers made off with US$5 300 cash, US$1 100 worth of Econet airtime, and two mobile phones.
According to Mutetwa, one of the robbers was armed with a pistol, another carried a machete, and the third was carrying a pickaxe. The house where Mutetwa stays is located a few hundred meters away from Mucheke Rank. Mutetwa sustained minor injuries during the attack.
Masvingo Police Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa was in a briefing when contacted for a comment.
Mutetwa recounted the terrifying ordeal, explaining that the robbers broke into his rented house while he was sleeping. “I was sleeping in my rented house some 800 metres from my workplace. The robbers broke the house’s main door and when I woke up they were already in my bedroom,” he said.
The robbers demanded money and ransacked the room. “They took US$5 300 that was inside a bag, US$1 100 airtime, two mobile phones, one had an agent line with US$538 and a laptop. They tied my hands using shoelaces,” Mutetwa explained.
A neighbour, alerted by the commotion, came to Mutetwa’s rescue. However, the gun-wielding robber tried to shoot him, causing him to flee. The robbers then disappeared before other neighbours could arrive.
Mutetwa has since filed a report at Chikato Police Station.
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