The National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe (NACAZ) last week dealt a heavy blow to motorcycle thieves terrorising communities in Manicaland and Harare provinces after launching a joint operation with police.
The joint operation involving the CID Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS) Southerton and NACAZ Manicaland members has so far tracked and arrested two suspects, recovering two stolen motorcycles.
The operation was led on the ground by NACAZ corruption prevention intelligence officer Thomas Ngirazi, working with a team of four detectives from VTS under Detective Sergeant Mutyavaviri.
Using Ngirazi’s knowledge of the terrain, the team moved into Mutsiyabako area near the Mozambique border in Chief Mutambara's area, leading to the arrest of Taurai Mangere (37) of Madewafa village, Chief Marange.
Investigations revealed that Mangere had swapped a Yamaha motorcycle stolen from Harare in 2024 for a clean Frox belonging to George Sonia.
The stolen Yamaha was later recovered in Mwaguta village, Chief Mutambara, while the Frox was returned to its owner in Marange the same day.
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Two days later, acting on fresh intelligence from CID VTS, NACAZ Manicaland swooped on the second suspect, Solomon Rondai (32) of Irimayi village under Chief Marange.
Following interrogation, Rondai led to the recovery of yet another motorcycle stolen from Harare, and implicated another suspect now under police surveillance.
NACAZ deputy director of operations, Alvine Makufa said the arrests proved that border areas and rural communities are no longer safe havens for criminals.
“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,” Makufa said.
NACAZ director Farai Kambarami urged citizens to help close loopholes used by criminals.
“We urge all those using unregistered motor cycles 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 to mobilise the public across all the 10 provinces in its national fight against corruption and violent crime.