Chinhoyi – Two rogue Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) wardens, along with five accomplices, have been arrested following a series of violent armed robberies in Chinhoyi, leaving residents shaken and authorities vowing swift justice.
The arrested wardens in Chinhoyi, identified as 37-year-old Tawanda Marumahoko and 43-year-old Christopher Gomwe, were apprehended alongside Shingirirai Chipuve (26), Elias Makasi (52), Abel Mangoma (24), Maxwell Karavhina (42), and Enoch Hwenjere. The seven suspects appeared before Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court on multiple counts of robbery and were remanded in custody, pending further investigations.
Court proceedings revealed that the gang carried out a brazen attack on June 30, 2025, targeting the home of Sithabisiwe Sibanda in Mzari Extension. Dressed in police uniforms and armed with rifles, the suspects impersonated law enforcement and intelligence operatives, claiming to be from the police and the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).
Once inside the residence, the suspects threatened the occupants, tied their hands, and proceeded to ransack the house. They stole cash totaling US$28,000, leaving the family traumatized by the audacity and violence of the attack. Witnesses described the scene as “horrifying,” with residents expressing shock at the boldness of the gang, who had clearly planned the operation meticulously.
Rogue ZPCS Wardens and Accomplices Arrested Over Armed Robberies in Chinhoyi
In another violent incident, the gang assaulted a complainant using a bolt cutter and machete, stealing US$132,000 along with a Huawei P40 cellphone. Investigators say the gang also targeted multiple properties in the Golf Course and Mzari suburbs, seizing cash, laptops, and mobile phones from unsuspecting victims.
Police investigations indicated that the group had been operating for several weeks, using uniforms and intimidation tactics to gain access to properties and instill fear among residents. “The suspects went to great lengths to impersonate security forces, making it difficult for victims to identify them before it was too late,” a police officer involved in the investigation said.
Authorities also revealed that some of the proceeds from the robberies were used to purchase luxury items and property. During searches, police recovered a Honda Vezel, a Toyota Mark X, a Toyota Quantum, and a residential stand in Kadoma, all linked to the illicit activities. These recoveries underscore the scale of the criminal enterprise and the substantial gains made by the group through violent and deceptive means.
Magistrate court proceedings have been adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for August 25, during which the routine court processes will continue. The prosecution has indicated that further evidence and witness testimonies will be presented to build a strong case against the accused.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) praised the efforts of detectives involved in the investigation, highlighting the importance of swift action and coordinated efforts to apprehend individuals posing a threat to public safety. “We commend our officers for their dedication in apprehending these dangerous criminals. Their actions demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that rogue elements within security institutions are held accountable,” a police spokesperson said.
The arrests have sent a strong message to members of the public and security agencies alike, highlighting the dangers posed by insiders abusing their positions of trust. Analysts note that the involvement of ZPCS personnel in serious criminal activities not only undermines public confidence in law enforcement but also highlights the need for tighter internal controls within correctional and security institutions.
Residents of Chinhoyi have expressed relief at the arrests, praising police for acting decisively to remove the threat from their communities. Many have emphasized the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies to prevent further crimes.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine whether the gang had additional accomplices or whether other criminal activities were linked to the group. Officials have also indicated that measures are being put in place to prevent future incidents involving rogue security personnel and to strengthen community policing initiatives.
The Chinhoyi cases serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed when individuals in positions of authority abuse their power for personal gain. As the legal proceedings unfold, both the public and law enforcement agencies will be closely watching the outcomes, which could set a precedent for how cases involving rogue security personnel are handled in the future.
Source- Bulawayo24
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