Authorities have apprehended ten suspects linked to a series of robberies targeting passengers using unregistered transport, commonly known as mushikashika or pirate taxis.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, stating that the incidents occurred between January 20 and 28, 2025, in and around Harare’s Central Business District.
The suspects, identified as Liberty Matsika (37), Temptation Mazodze (30), Blessing Murize (32), Rodgers Marufu (26), Golden Tangwanda (38), Admire Makumalo (51), Ashely Bakasa (28), Ndoro Chiriwa Zambezi (28), Stanley Matarutse (48), and Nyasha Kamujoma (32), were tracked down following multiple robbery reports.
The criminals allegedly used vehicles such as the Honda Fit, Toyota Fun Cargo, Toyota Vitz, and Toyota Sienta to lure unsuspecting passengers before robbing them of their valuables.
One reported case involved a victim who was robbed of a cellphone on January 27 after accepting a ride in a Toyota Vitz along Kirkman Road while heading to the city center. Another incident occurred in Mbare’s Majubheki area, where a passenger lost USD 185 and two cellphones after boarding a Toyota Sienta (registration number AFZ 1190) from the CBD to Mbare.
Police recovered stolen cellphones, cash, and other belongings from the suspects and are continuing investigations.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid using pirate taxis and instead opt for registered public transport to ensure their safety. Suspicious activities can be reported via the ZRP National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, WhatsApp at 0712 800197, or at any nearest police station.
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