Shurugwi robbery gang kidnaps teen, flees with Honda Fit

SHURUGWI – Police in the Midlands have launched a manhunt for three armed men who raided two homesteads in the Abefonye farm area in the early hours of 31 August 2026, robbing residents of cash, gold and a motor vehicle, and kidnapping a 14‑year‑old boy.


ZRP Midlands provincial spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the suspects, armed with machetes and a sjambok, first targeted the home of Buhle Nyathi (44) at around 1am. They allegedly forced open her door with a metal bar, assaulted her and demanded money, fleeing with US$900 and a Hisense cellphone.

The trio then moved to another hut on the same homestead, where they abducted Ms Nyathi’s teenage son and forced him to lead them to a second homestead.

At the second home, the suspects assaulted Raphael Nago (59) and Apolonia Derera (46) with an iron bar. Mr Nago sustained a fractured left leg. The gang fled with US$3 130, approximately 9.6g of gold amalgam, a cellphone, a gold monster detector and the keys to a sky‑blue Honda Fit (AEQ 6505) parked in the yard.

Police say the suspects loaded groceries and the kidnapped boy into the Honda Fit before driving off. The juvenile was later dumped in a bush along the way.

In total, the gang escaped with US$4 030, gold amalgam, two cellphones, a gold detector and the vehicle.

Inspector Mahoko said investigations were underway and appealed for public assistance. “We are appealing to members of the public who may have information regarding the whereabouts or identity of the suspects, or the stolen property and vehicle, to report to the nearest police station,” he said.

Residents have been urged to exercise caution and report suspicious persons or activities. Anyone with information on the Honda Fit AEQ 6505 or the stolen gold detector is asked to assist police.

This incident adds to ongoing discussions around violent crime and rural security in the Midlands province.