By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
KARIBA – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Kariba have arrested seven suspects following a wave of robberies and kidnappings targeting fishermen around Musamba Island.
The suspects were apprehended at Micah Point on December 29, 2025, after several fishermen—mainly from Zambia’s Siavonga area—reported being attacked by individuals masquerading as members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) or Parks and Wildlife officers.
Confirming the arrests, Officer Commanding Kariba District, Superintendent Pepukai Mhiripiri, said the suspects used deception to detain victims under the pretext that they had illegally crossed into Zimbabwe.
Investigations by Gemnation identified the suspects as Criswell Kanyoka, Munashe Nyanye, Archford Mawiranhaka, Tanaka Tagara, Osamu Chawasiya Nhimura, Joseph Mashakada and Tinashe Muzeziwa.
They are facing charges of robbery under Section 126(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], as well as kidnapping in aggravating circumstances in terms of Sections 93(1)(a) and 93(3)(a)(i) of the same Act.
According to police, victims were subjected to severe abuse, with some being held captive for several days.
The suspects allegedly forced victims to contact relatives to demand ransom payments ranging between 45,000 and 60,000 Zambian kwacha.
The money was reportedly sent to Nyamhunga, where it was converted into United States dollars.
On the day of their arrest, the suspects attempted to extort 60,000 kwacha from a victim, instructing that the money be delivered to Micah Point.
However, the complainant alerted the Zambian Police in Siavonga, triggering a coordinated operation between Zambian and Zimbabwean authorities that led to the suspects’ arrest.
Police say investigations are ongoing and are expected to link the suspects to more than 15 robbery and kidnapping cases in the Musamba Island area.
Members of the public who may have been victimised are urged to report to the nearest police station.
In a related development, a woman believed to have been acting as a currency exchange agent for the syndicate has also been arrested and is assisting police with investigations.
Authorities have applied for a warrant to extend the suspects’ detention pending further inquiries.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Kariba Magistrates Court once investigations are complete, as police continue efforts to restore safety and security in the area.
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