Police Arrest Machete Gang After Months of Terror in Bulawayo
BULAWAYO – A notorious gang of machete-wielding robbers that terrorized Bulawayo suburbs has been arrested in connection with over 20 violent crimes committed between December 2024 and May 2025.
Police identified the ringleader as Kurauone Nkomo, alias SaMishy, a 46-year-old second-hand phone dealer from Makokoba, who allegedly ran a syndicate buying stolen phones from young thugs operating under his watch.
The other suspects—Tafadzwa Chimusaru (30), Prince Ngulube (18), Leeroy Sibanda (19), Hardlife Sibanda (27), Brian Ndlovu (23) and Nqobile Terrence Ngwenya—are said to be from Mzilikazi and Sauerstown.
The gang is accused of terrorizing residents of Sauerstown, Queenspark, Khumalo, Entumbane, and Hillside, targeting pedestrians in isolated and bushy spots.
Armed with machetes and axes, they allegedly ambushed victims and forcibly stole their cellphones and other valuables.
Police launched an investigation after receiving multiple reports, leading to tip-offs from vigilant residents.
Acting swiftly, detectives tracked and arrested the suspects, who were then positively identified by several victims.
“They would threaten victims with weapons and rob them of their cellphones,” said Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson.
She urged residents to be cautious, warning them to avoid bushy paths and isolated areas, especially when walking alone.
According to Crime Watch Zimbabwe’s Twitter handle, police are continuing investigations, with authorities suspecting the gang may be linked to additional robbery cases across the city.,
