Gweru Police Crack Down on Car Battery Theft Ring

In a significant law enforcement action, Gweru police have dismantled a car battery theft syndicate, arresting six individuals involved in crimes spanning Gweru and Harare.

The operation led to the apprehension of Clapperton Mangwindime, Leo Tanatswa Mataswa, Takudzwa Mutengwa, Musafari Chidukutse, Delan Chidukutse, and Never Master, each playing a different role in the scheme.

Musafari Chidukutse, a battery shop owner, and his employee Delan, were among those taken into custody, suggesting a direct link between theft and the illegal market.

The initial lead came when police learned that Takudzwa Mutengwa was in possession of suspicious bags, leading to a swift response from law enforcement.

Mutengwa, sensing the imminent danger, tried to evade capture by hiding at his girlfriend’s residence, but was eventually discovered under a bed.

Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko detailed how this arrest near Isolation Medical Centre on Matobo Road catalyzed the arrests of the remaining members of the syndicate.

The police recovered 18 batteries, with 12 of these traced back to Musa Batteries in Harare, where 11 owners have already identified their property.

Additional items seized included burglary tools, coil packs, digital storage devices, and even live chickens, indicating the breadth of their criminal activities.

The syndicate’s modus operandi involved targeting parked cars at night, stealing batteries and coil packs which were then sold in shops in Harare.

Three of the suspects, Mangwindime, Mataswa, and Mutengwa, have faced the magistrate in Gweru, where they were remanded until January 8 for further legal proceedings.

Their criminal activities have been linked to 16 separate incidents across various residential areas in Gweru, highlighting the scale of the thefts.

This operation not only disrupts a significant theft ring but also sends a strong message about the police’s commitment to tackling organized crime in Zimbabwe.

The community’s relief at the recovery of their stolen property underscores the impact of such crimes on everyday life, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance.