By Dumisani Ndlovu
A Christmas Eve operation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mtapa resulted in the arrest of three suspects linked to a string of thefts targeting car batteries and coil packs in Gweru. The suspects, identified as Clapperton Mangwindime (34), Leo Tanatswa Mataswa (19), and Takudzwa Mutengwa (27), were apprehended near Isolation Medical Centre along Matobo Road on December 24, 2024, at around 11 pm.
According to the police, the arrest was made possible by a tip-off from the public, which led them to Mutengwa, who was found with suspicious bags. A search of his girlfriend’s residence, where he had attempted to hide, uncovered a stash of stolen goods, including six car batteries, tools used to break into vehicles, four sets of coil packs, an 8-gig flash drive, a cellphone, and six live broiler chickens.
The suspects are currently being held in custody as investigations continue to uncover their involvement in other criminal cases. So far, they have been linked to 16 cases of theft in and around Mtapa, Clifton Park, Montrose, Mambo, Tinshell, and Ascot residential suburbs.
The police are urging victims of car part theft to come forward and assist in determining if their cases are connected to the arrested suspects. The successful operation is a testament to the power of community policing and the importance of public tip-offs in combating crime.
As the police continue to investigate, the community is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The arrest of these suspects sends a strong message that crime will not be tolerated in Gweru, and those responsible will be brought to justice.
Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the Midlands Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, is quoted as saying:
- “Police are appealing to members of the public to consider sharing their problems with a trusted friend or relative or make use of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Community Relations Liaison Offices located at every police station”.
