Bulawayo – The recent arrest of Nkosana Maketho, a 31-year-old man linked to a string of armed robberies, has cast a stark light on the escalating challenge of violent crime plaguing the city and indeed, the wider nation. Maketho’s apprehension followed a brazen attack on a motorist in Bellevue, an incident that quickly unravelled a web of similar crimes and underscored the cunning tactics employed by criminals in an increasingly volatile environment.
Maketho’s capture on 9 May came after he targeted a driver of a Honda Fit along Wellington Road in Bellevue. Masquerading as a genuine commuter, a common ruse in these parts, he flagged down the unsuspecting motorist. Once inside the vehicle, the facade crumbled as Maketho produced a firearm, threatening the driver and demanding cash and other valuables. The terrified complainant, fearing for his life, handed over US$50. The suspect then disembarked under the cover of darkness, vanishing into nearby maize fields.
However, this time, the victim’s quick thinking and community spirit proved pivotal. Instead of succumbing to fear, the complainant immediately mobilised members of the public to search for the suspect while simultaneously alerting the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). Detectives from CID Homicide Bulawayo swiftly responded to the scene, leading to Maketho’s arrest and the recovery of a Blow F92, 9mm calibre blank gun. This type of weapon, while firing blanks, is indistinguishable from a real firearm to an ordinary citizen, making it an effective tool for intimidation.
Further investigations by the ZRP revealed the true extent of Maketho’s criminal activities, linking him to seven additional armed robbery cases across Bulawayo. One such incident occurred on 19 April 2026, at the intersection of Nketa Drive and Masiyephambili Drive. In this case, Maketho was offered a lift by a motorist, only to turn on his benefactor at gunpoint along the way. Later that same night, around 11:50 pm, he robbed another motorist using the identical method. Police have since recovered various mobile phones believed to have been stolen during these sprees.
The pattern of these crimes, particularly the targeting of motorists and the use of seemingly innocuous situations to perpetrate violence, highlights a disturbing trend. Criminals are adapting their strategies, preying on the trust and vulnerability of citizens simply going about their daily lives. The ZRP has noted a significant increase in such incidents, with Zimbabwe recording a 12% rise in its overall crime rate in early 2026, a statistic that underscores the urgency of the situation.
This surge in armed robberies is not isolated to individual perpetrators like Maketho. Bulawayo, in particular, has witnessed a series of high-profile and audacious attacks that have left residents and businesses on edge. Just last year, on 11 May 2025, the popular Crystal Lounge in Bulawayo’s Central Business District became the scene of a daring daytime raid. A group of armed robbers stormed the establishment, locking employees inside and effectively holding them hostage. In a dramatic turn, one brave staff member managed to discreetly alert authorities, prompting a swift police response that led to the safe rescue of six hostages. Although the suspects managed to flee before apprehension, the incident highlighted the increasing boldness of criminal gangs.
Another significant incident that captured public attention was the robbery of a Mukuru outlet on Jason Moyo Street in Bulawayo on 4 March 2026. Robbers made off with a substantial sum, reportedly over US$70,000 and R500,000 in cash. The circumstances surrounding this heist led police to suspect an inside job, as alarms were reportedly disabled and CCTV footage was taken, suggesting a level of planning and insider knowledge. This incident, alongside others, points to a worrying trend of criminals targeting businesses known to handle large amounts of foreign currency, particularly US dollars and South African Rand, which are highly sought after in the local economy.
Smaller businesses and individuals have also fallen victim to this crime wave. The Sai Mart Supermarket in Bulawayo’s Nkulumane 12 suburb was raided by three armed robbers in a mid-morning attack, with the culprits escaping with over US$2,000. These incidents, whether large-scale or smaller, contribute to a pervasive sense of insecurity and economic disruption.
The ZRP has not been idle in the face of this escalating threat. They have intensified operations against armed criminals, with police spokespersons, including Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, frequently commenting on the ongoing efforts. The police have even issued stern warnings, threatening to ‘return fire’ on armed and dangerous criminals, a reflection of the gravity of the situation and the increasing use of firearms in criminal activities. The recovery of a blank gun from Maketho also highlights a disturbing trend where criminals use realistic-looking imitation firearms to intimidate victims, making it difficult for the public to discern real threats from fake ones until it is too late.
Beyond Bulawayo, the problem of armed robbery is a national concern. In May 2026, the ZRP successfully apprehended seven men linked to a series of armed robberies in Nyabira and Chitungwiza, demonstrating a concerted effort to dismantle criminal syndicates operating across different regions. Earlier in March 2026, the Beatrice area also reported a spate of armed robberies, indicating a widespread challenge for law enforcement. The Giyani Mine robbery case, where seven men were arrested for an ambush on 24 April 2026, further illustrates the varied targets and sophisticated methods employed by these criminal groups.
The police have also made significant strides in addressing past high-profile cases. The extradition process for the prime suspects in the infamous US$4.4 million Ecobank Bulawayo cash heist, which occurred on 3 October 2024 was recently completed. This particular robbery, considered the biggest cash heist in Zimbabwe’s history, saw six masked gunmen ambush a Safeguard Security cash-in-transit van, making off with the colossal sum in a mere 149 seconds. Such cases underscore the lucrative nature of these crimes for organised syndicates and the challenges faced by security companies.
Efforts to combat this rising tide of crime are multifaceted. The ZRP has been conducting intelligence-driven operations, leading to arrests such as those of Conrad Moyo, 22, and Milford Sidhakwa, 24, who were apprehended in connection with multiple armed robberies in Bulawayo in May 2026. These arrests are crucial in disrupting criminal networks and bringing perpetrators to justice. However, the sheer volume of incidents suggests that more systemic interventions are required.
One of the critical factors contributing to the prevalence of armed robberies is the economic climate, which often drives individuals to desperate measures. The allure of quick money, especially in foreign currency, makes targets like money transfer agencies and individuals carrying cash particularly vulnerable. The police have identified certain areas as high-risk, such as the intersections of High Glen Road and Willowvale in Harare, where motorists are frequently targeted. This geographical analysis helps in deploying resources more effectively, but the mobile nature of these criminals means that vigilance is required across all areas.
The ZRP continues to appeal to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of suspects to come forward. Community cooperation, as demonstrated in the Bellevue Honda Fit attack, is invaluable in the fight against crime. The swift action of the complainant and the public in that instance directly led to Maketho’s arrest, preventing further potential harm and linking him to a broader pattern of criminal behaviour.
The fight against armed robbery is an ongoing battle, requiring sustained effort from law enforcement, proactive security measures from businesses and individuals, and strong community engagement. As the authorities work to stem the flow of these violent crimes, the public remains on alert, hoping for a return to safer streets and communities. The cases of Nkosana Maketho, the Crystal Lounge raid, and the Mukuru heist serve as stark reminders of the persistent threat and the continuous need for vigilance and cooperation in safeguarding lives and livelihoods across Zimbabwe.