A growing wave of motorcycle thefts, house break-ins and organised property crimes is spreading across Zimbabwe, with police warning that criminal syndicates are increasingly targeting motorcycles for resale, smuggling and spare parts as economic crimes continue rising in urban centres.

The latest concern follows the arrest of two Chegutu men allegedly linked to at least 10 motorcycle theft and unlawful entry cases, in what investigators believe reflects a wider organised criminal trend affecting several parts of the country.

Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Andy Ushewokunze (30) and Titus Manjengwa in connection with a string of motorcycle thefts committed between January and May this year.

“On 21st May 2026, police arrested Titus Manjengwa after receiving information that he was in possession of stolen motorcycles,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

“Titus Manjengwa implicated Andy Ushewokunze leading to his arrest at Mukohwe Shopping Centre, Pfupajena. Subsequently, police recovered six stolen motorcycles and a solar battery.”

Police investigations have linked the suspects to at least 10 motorcycle theft and unlawful entry cases in Chegutu, including a burglary in Kagovi Phase Four where a solar battery and television set were stolen.

Authorities say investigations are continuing, with police now hunting for additional suspects believed to be connected to the syndicate.

“Anyone with information should contact the National Complaints Desk or report at any nearest Police Station,” Nyathi said.

The arrests come amid increasing concern over the growing sophistication of vehicle and motorcycle theft syndicates operating across Southern Africa, with criminals increasingly targeting motorcycles because of their portability, strong market demand and ease of dismantling for spare parts.

Security analyst Bekithemba Mhlanga said organised criminal groups are shifting towards motorcycles because they are easier to transport, conceal and dispose of compared to motor vehicles.

“Motorcycles are becoming soft targets for criminals because they can quickly be stripped for spare parts or sold without attracting immediate suspicion,” said Mhlanga.

“In many cases, stolen motorcycles are transported across borders, repainted or dismantled for resale on informal markets where tracing becomes difficult.”

He said worsening economic conditions and rising unemployment were also contributing to the growth of organised property-related crimes.

“As economic pressures increase, some criminal syndicates are taking advantage of the growing demand for affordable transport and second-hand spare parts,” he said.

Motorcycles have become increasingly valuable due to rising demand from informal transport operators, delivery businesses and small-scale traders seeking cheaper transport alternatives.

The theft of solar batteries alongside motorcycles also reflects another growing criminal trend driven by increased household reliance on solar systems following persistent electricity shortages.

Mhlanga said syndicates are increasingly targeting homes and businesses with visible solar installations, motorcycles and portable electrical equipment because of their high resale value on informal markets.

“Criminals are following the market. Anything with high demand and easy resale value automatically becomes attractive to organised theft syndicates,” he said.

In recent months, police have intensified operations targeting robbery syndicates, vehicle theft networks and housebreaking gangs amid rising public concern over property-related crimes.

Residents say weak security systems, high unemployment and increased demand for second-hand vehicle parts are contributing to the growth of organised theft networks across the country.

Police have urged motorists, transport operators and households to strengthen security systems, install tracking devices and avoid purchasing suspicious motorcycles or spare parts without proper documentation.

Commissioner Nyathi said law enforcement agencies would continue targeting criminal networks threatening public safety and property security nationwide.