Police bust motorcycle theft syndicate

A joint operation between the National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe (NACAZ) and the Zimbabwe Republic Police has dealt a significant blow to motorcycle thieves operating in Manicaland and Harare provinces, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of stolen motorcycles.

The operation, conducted by members of the CID Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) Southerton and NACAZ Manicaland, targeted a suspected network involved in trafficking stolen motorcycles from Harare to remote communities near the Mozambique border.

The mission was led on the ground by NACAZ corruption prevention intelligence officer Thomas Ngirazi, working alongside four detectives from CID VTS under Detective Sergeant Mutyavaviri.

Using intelligence gathered by the team and Ngirazi's familiarity with the terrain, investigators tracked their first suspect to Mutsiyabako area near the Mozambique border in Chief Mutambara's jurisdiction.

The operation resulted in the arrest of Taurai Mangere (37) of Madewafa Village under Chief Marange.

Investigations revealed that Mangere had allegedly exchanged a Yamaha motorcycle stolen from Harare in 2024 for a legitimate Frox motorcycle belonging to George Sonia.

The stolen Yamaha motorcycle was subsequently recovered in Mwaguta Village, Chief Mutambara, while the Frox motorcycle was returned to its owner in Marange on the same day.

Two days later, acting on fresh intelligence supplied by CID VTS, NACAZ Manicaland members launched a follow-up operation that led to the arrest of Solomon Rondai (32) of Irimayi Village under Chief Marange.

Police said Rondai cooperated with investigators during questioning and led them to the recovery of another motorcycle reported stolen in Harare.

He also allegedly implicated another suspect who is now under police surveillance as investigations continue.

NACAZ deputy director of operations, Alvine Makufa, said the successful operation demonstrated that criminals could no longer rely on remote rural areas and border communities as safe hiding places.

"By cutting off escape routes and working with communities, we have ended motorcycle thieves' freedom. To all those engaging in corrupt and criminal activities across the country, let this be a warning: one day the baboon shall miss the branch. Chimanimani, Marange and other remote areas are no longer safe havens," said Makufa.

NACAZ director Farai Kambarami urged members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing motorcycles and to avoid acquiring vehicles from unlicensed dealers.

"We urge all those using unregistered motorcycles bought from unlicensed dealers and individuals to immediately go and report to their nearest police station," he said.

"This protects you from unwittingly handling stolen property and helps us cut off supply lines to thieves."

NACAZ said it would continue working with law enforcement agencies and communities across Zimbabwe's 10 provinces to combat corruption, vehicle theft and other forms of organised crime.

The latest arrests come amid growing concerns over the theft and illegal movement of motorcycles across provinces, with criminals increasingly targeting rural areas as markets for stolen vehicles. Police say investigations are continuing and more arrests are expected.