News / National
Police arrest 7 in suspected kidnapping, robbery spree
07 Jan 2026 at 20:21hrs |
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Police in Kariba have apprehended seven suspects in connection with a string of robberies and kidnappings targeting fishermen around Musamba Island.
The arrests took place at Mica Point on December 29, following reports from several fishermen - mainly from Zambia's Siavonga area - who said they had been attacked by individuals posing as members of the Zimbabwe National Army or the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
The suspects, identified as Criswell Kanyoka, Munashe Nyanye, Archford Mawiranhaka, Tanaka Tagara, Osamu Chawasiya Nhimura, Joseph Mashakada, and Tinashe Muzeziwa, face charges of robbery and kidnapping in aggravating circumstances.
Officer commanding Kariba District, Superintendent Pepukai Mhiripiri, said the suspects used deception to detain victims under the pretext that they had illegally crossed into Zimbabwe. Victims were reportedly subjected to severe abuse, with some held captive for several days.
"The suspects forced victims to contact relatives to demand ransom ranging from 45 000 to 60 000 Zambian kwacha, which was reportedly sent to Nyamhunga and converted to United States dollars," Superintendent Mhiripiri said.
On the day of their arrest, the suspects attempted to extort 60 000 kwacha from a victim, ordering delivery to Micah Point. The victim alerted Zambian police in Siavonga, prompting a coordinated operation between Zambian and Zimbabwean authorities that led to the arrests.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities expecting to link the suspects to more than 15 robbery and kidnapping cases in the Musamba Island area. A woman believed to have acted as a currency exchange agent for the syndicate has also been arrested and is assisting police with inquiries.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Kariba Magistrates Court once investigations are concluded. Police have urged anyone who may have been victimised to report to the nearest station, assuring the community of their commitment to restoring safety and security in the area.
The arrests took place at Mica Point on December 29, following reports from several fishermen - mainly from Zambia's Siavonga area - who said they had been attacked by individuals posing as members of the Zimbabwe National Army or the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
The suspects, identified as Criswell Kanyoka, Munashe Nyanye, Archford Mawiranhaka, Tanaka Tagara, Osamu Chawasiya Nhimura, Joseph Mashakada, and Tinashe Muzeziwa, face charges of robbery and kidnapping in aggravating circumstances.
Officer commanding Kariba District, Superintendent Pepukai Mhiripiri, said the suspects used deception to detain victims under the pretext that they had illegally crossed into Zimbabwe. Victims were reportedly subjected to severe abuse, with some held captive for several days.
"The suspects forced victims to contact relatives to demand ransom ranging from 45 000 to 60 000 Zambian kwacha, which was reportedly sent to Nyamhunga and converted to United States dollars," Superintendent Mhiripiri said.
On the day of their arrest, the suspects attempted to extort 60 000 kwacha from a victim, ordering delivery to Micah Point. The victim alerted Zambian police in Siavonga, prompting a coordinated operation between Zambian and Zimbabwean authorities that led to the arrests.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities expecting to link the suspects to more than 15 robbery and kidnapping cases in the Musamba Island area. A woman believed to have acted as a currency exchange agent for the syndicate has also been arrested and is assisting police with inquiries.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Kariba Magistrates Court once investigations are concluded. Police have urged anyone who may have been victimised to report to the nearest station, assuring the community of their commitment to restoring safety and security in the area.
Source - Newsday
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