Police Bust 10 ‘Mushikashika’ Robbers Targeting Co...

Police Bust 10 ‘Mushikashika’ Robbers Targeting Commuters

Zim Now Reporter

Harare police have arrested ten suspected armed robbers who were using pirate taxis, commonly known as mushikashika, to lure and rob unsuspecting passengers.

The suspects operated using vehicles such as Honda Fit, Toyota Fun Cargo, Toyota Vitz, and Toyota Sienta, posing as genuine transport providers before turning on their victims.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests, stating that the gang had been targeting passengers in and around Harare’s central business district between January 20 and 28, 2025.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of ten suspects in connection with a series of robbery cases in which unsuspecting passengers were targeted after being given lifts in mushikashika or pirate taxis," said Commissioner Nyathi.

The suspects have been 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.

Following multiple reports of robberies linked to mushikashika vehicles, police launched a week-long investigation that led to the suspects' arrest. Authorities recovered stolen items, including cellphones, cash, and other valuables.

"These arrests follow a series of incidents where criminals used pirate taxis to rob passengers. Police acted swiftly to track the suspects and link them to the crimes," Commissioner Nyathi added.

Law enforcement has urged the public to remain vigilant when using informal transport, as criminal gangs continue to exploit commuters who unknowingly board these illegal taxis.