CHINHOYI, Zimbabwe – Four men have been arrested in connection with a string of car thefts, with Zimbabwean police confirming the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles and weapons.
The suspects — Wellington Jinya (20), Nyasha Mushure (24), Tatenda Maphosa (21), and Edmore Muchenje (24) — were brought before the courts this week, facing eight counts of motor vehicle theft.
According to Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the suspects were part of a larger syndicate that used deception and violence to steal cars from unsuspecting motorists.
“The accused persons, together with their accomplices who are still at large, would masquerade as genuine travellers soliciting lifts,” said Muteweri.
“Along the way, they would rob the victims of their vehicles and other valuables.”
The investigation broke open on September 4, 2025, when detectives from CID Chinhoyi received a tip-off implicating Wellington Jinya. A search led to his arrest and the recovery of an AK-47, a Retay gun loaded with three rounds, a knife, multiple cellphones, a Dell laptop, and other robbery tools.
Following Jinya’s arrest, the remaining three suspects were apprehended. Police believe the gang was involved in a robbery on August 26, in which a victim was left stranded after being robbed of his Honda Fit. That vehicle was later found abandoned in Ruvimbo, Chinhoyi.
More Suspects on the Run:
Authorities are still searching for additional members of the syndicate, identified as:
Tinotenda Devillious Chiremba
Lloyd Makiwa
Eddie alias Dhama
Jacob Maphosa
Huni
Watson alias Mandebvu
Police have confirmed that all stolen motor vehicles have been recovered, but investigations are ongoing.
“The suspects are facing a total of eight counts of robbery of motor vehicles,” said Inspector Muteweri.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid offering lifts to unknown persons as investigations continue.
