A suspected diesel theft syndicate targeting network base stations across Kwekwe has been dealt a major blow following the arrest of two men linked to a string of robberies and thefts dating back to late last year.
Police have confirmed the arrest of 32-year-old Stanely Chifodya and 26-year-old Kudakwashe Mazvidza, who are accused of spearheading a coordinated operation that siphoned thousands of litres of diesel and stole critical infrastructure from telecommunications sites.
The duo was apprehended on 20 March 2026 in Amaveni after alert police officers on patrol spotted them draining diesel from a base station generator. Their accomplices fled into the darkness.
Upon arrest, the suspects were found armed with a .303 rifle and in possession of 26 empty 40-litre containers, one filled container, and a cache of breaking implements.
Investigations have since linked the pair to a wave of attacks on network service provider base stations between October 2025 and March 2026, during which at least 9,000 litres of diesel and four generator batteries were stolen.
In one brazen incident on 7 December 2025, the gang reportedly scaled a base station fence, assaulted a security guard and threatened him with a firearm before siphoning diesel and stealing a generator battery.
The same modus operandi was repeated across multiple sites in Mbizo, where the suspects allegedly stole over 3,700 litres of diesel in a series of raids within days, often targeting installations under the cover of darkness and overpowering security personnel.
On 15 December 2025, they struck again around 2am, assaulting guards before stealing a further 540 litres of diesel and another battery.
However, not all operations were successful. On one occasion in February, vigilant security guards forced the suspects to abandon their mission, leaving behind filled containers and equipment.
Police say further investigations led to the recovery of two stolen batteries and 1,540 litres of diesel.
The suspects are now facing two counts of robbery, eight counts of theft, and an additional charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.
They appeared before the Kwekwe Regional Court and were remanded in custody to 7 April 2026.
Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for four accomplices still at large – Washington Ndlovu, Takudzwa Hwaire, Mutsa Muzwarimwe and a suspect only identified as Regis.
Authorities are urging members of the public with information to assist in bringing the remaining suspects to justice.
