Armed robbery suspect finally arrested after terrorising commuter transport drivers
Police investigations link 35-year-old to eight counts of the crime in Bulawayo
By Auther Chimbgwa
A Bulawayo man has been arrested for armed robbery cases targeting commuter transport operators with police investigations linking him to eight cases of the felony allegedly committed in Zimbabwe’s second capital city.
Police spokesperson for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Detective Inspector Rachael Muteweri confirmed the arrest and identified the suspect as Nkosana Maketho.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) would like to confirm the arrest of Nkosana Maketho (35) in connection with eight counts of armed robbery,” said Detective Inspector Muteweri in a statement.
Muteweri said that on 9 May 2026, Maketho, posing as a genuine commuter, stopped a motorist who was driving a Honda Fit along Wellington Road, Bellevue in Bulawayo.
Along the way, he allegedly produced a firearm, threatened the driver and demanded cash and other valuables from him.
Fearing for his life, the victim surrendered US$5 000 before Maketho disembarked and disappeared into the darkness.
The victim immediately mobilised members of the public to search for the suspect in nearby maize fields and further alerted the police.
“Detectives from CID Homicide Bulawayo swiftly reacted to the scene, leading to the arrest of Maketho and the recovery of a Blow F92, 9mm Calibre blank gun,” said Muteweri, adding that investigations have since linked Maketho to seven other armed robbery cases committed in Bulawayo.
In one of the cases which occurred on 19 April this year at the intersection of Nketa Drive and Masiyephambili Drive in Bulawayo, said Muteweri, Maketho was offered a lift by the victims while pretending to be a genuine travellor.
Along the way, he allegedly produced a pistol, before robbing a kombi crew of their daily takings.
A day earlier, Muteweri said, at around 8.30pm, Maketho approached a taxi driver who was parked at corner Lobengula Street and 8th Avenue in Bulawayo, waiting for customers.
“Pretending to be a genuine client, Maketho allegedly requested a ride to Bellevue before robbing the victim at gunpoint along the way,” said Muteweri.
Later that night, and around midnight, Maketho allegedly robbed another motorist using the same modus operandi.
Various cell phones have since been recovered following his arrest.
The suspect was set to appear in court facing the crimes.
“The ZRP continue to discourage motorists from offering lifts to strangers as they risk falling prey to criminals,” said Muteweri.
