Zimpapers Logo

George Maponga–Masvingo Bureau

Criminal syndicates operating around Ngundu Growth Point in southern Masvingo have been targeting accident victims along the Harare-Beitbridge highway, prompting police to launch an operation to bring normalcy along Zimbabwe’s busiest highway.

Police have so far arrested four suspects at Lundi Business Centre, a few kilometres from Ngundu, following a tip-off which preceded the launch of an operation code-named “Operation Against Theft of Accidents Victims”, which started on September 23.

The arrests led to the recovery of more than 7 000 litres of diesel, ethanol, engine oil and groceries suspected to have been stolen from traders coming mainly from South Africa.

More arrests are expected soon as police embark on a crackdown against the criminal syndicate, which has been operating since 2019.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa yesterday warned those living on proceeds of crime that the law will catch up with them.

He said police at Ngundu have arrested some suspects after receiving a tip-off about a criminal syndicate that was targeting accident victims along the Harare-Beitbridge highway and stealing goods from them. 

Insp Dhewa said suspects would be charged with unlawful possession of hazardous substances.

Among the recovered items taken to ZRP Ngundu for safe-keeping as exhibits were 266 x 20 litres of diesel, 210×12 drums of diesel, 440 litres of dish washing liquid, 13 empty drums, 153 empty 20 litre containers and three empty jerry cans.

Also recovered was 14×325 grammes Johnson baby jelly, 12 packets of braids, 10x50kg of fertiliser, 2×50 kg of surf, 3x50kg (peas) and herbicides.

Boxes of surf, powdered milk, 40 litres of ethanol, 80 litres of engine oil and vehicle rims.

The Masvingo community has been urged to report any criminal activities to improve safety and security of humans and property.

The Harare-Beitbridge highway is being widened and rehabilitated by the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa in a development expected to curb accidents along the highway and ensure speedy movement of passengers and goods.