CHIRUNDU – Three men are in police custody after being apprehended at the Chirundu Border Post while attempting to smuggle a stolen Ford Ranger out of Zimbabwe. The suspects, identified as Takudzwa Manyanga (26), Question Mutsvunguma (23), and Terrence Mazete (23), were arrested on Monday, following the discovery that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Gweru on Sunday, 21 December 2025.
Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Criminal Investigation Department (CID), confirmed the arrest. “Police CID Chirundu arrested three suspects in connection with the theft of a motor vehicle,” she stated. “They were found in possession of a Ford Ranger reported stolen in Gweru on 21 December 2025.”
The circumstances surrounding the Ford Ranger’s theft reveal a brazen act of opportunism. The vehicle’s owner was reportedly enjoying a drink at a local bar in Gweru when thieves seized the opportunity to steal his car.
In a separate incident, police are investigating the theft of a Toyota Hilux in Bulawayo. A man from Bulawayo lost his Toyota Hilux to four unknown accused persons while awaiting his order at a fast-food outlet situated in Bradfield suburb on Monday night.
According to Det Insp Muteweri, the victim was with his wife and a friend, relaxing in their parked vehicle, when the terrifying incident unfolded. One of the four robbers brandished a pistol, pointing it at the terrified man and ordering the trio to disembark from the vehicle.
“On 22 December 2025 and at around 10PM, four unknown accused persons approached the complainant who was seated in a Toyota Hilux in the company of his wife and a friend. One of the accused persons produced a pistol before threatening the victims. They ordered the victims to disembark from the vehicle before taking charge of the vehicle,” said Det Insp Muteweri.
The quartet then drove away, leaving the victims stranded and traumatised at the crime scene. “The complainants later filed a police report and we are now on the trail of the accused persons,” added Det Insp Muteweri.
The ZRP is appealing to members of the public who may have information regarding either of these cases to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigations. The arrest of the three suspects at Chirundu Border Post highlights the police’s commitment to combating cross-border crime and recovering stolen vehicles. Meanwhile, the search continues for the four armed robbers responsible for the Toyota Hilux theft in Bulawayo.
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