By Flata Kavinga
Police in Kwekwe have arrested a suspected serial housebreaker linked to a spate of unlawful entry and theft cases that have plagued several suburbs since September, recovering household property valued at about US$12,000, with more recoveries expected.
The suspect, identified as Goddy Mashoko, was arrested on Tuesday following a targeted operation conducted by a crack team from ZRP Mbizo, acting on a tip-off about suspected stolen goods being sold in the community.
Confirming the development, Acting Officer-in-Charge of ZRP Mbizo, Inspector Ettwell Ngara, described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb rising cases of housebreaking in the area.
“Over the period from September to this date, we have experienced an upsurge of cases of unlawful entry into premises and theft,” Inspector Ngara said. “As a station, we analyzed the crime trends to see how best we can deal with the issue. Following our analysis, we carried out mobile patrols both day and night.”
He said the patrol team received information that a man was selling items suspected to have been stolen. A police crack team was dispatched, leading to Mashoko’s arrest.
“We managed to arrest the accused person, Goddy Mashoko, whom we are currently holding and who is assisting us with further investigations. From that, we expect to recover some more property,” Ngara said.
Recovered items displayed at the station include a Capri refrigerator, a Regal mattress and various other household goods. Police said some of the stolen property has already been identified by owners, while others continue to visit the station for identification.
According to Inspector Ngara, Mashoko allegedly conducted surveillance on targeted homes, monitoring the movements of occupants before breaking in—often during the day. Police say he allegedly used tools such as grinders and bolt cutters to gain entry, then loaded entire households’ worth of property into hired trucks.
“He would take absolutely all the property from the house,” Ngara said. “He operated in such a way that neighbours would assume the occupants were simply moving out.”
Mashoko is believed to have targeted several suburbs, including Mbizo 16, Mbizo 15, Mbizo 13 and Mbizo 8 and extended his activities to West End suburb.
Police investigations are continuing, with teams deployed in affected areas to recover additional stolen items.
He urged members of the public to come forward and identify any property they had reported stolen.
“We also urge community members to report their cases promptly to facilitate investigations,” he added..
Inspector Ngara urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities.
Mashoko is expected to appear in court once investigations are complete.
