Authorities in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, have made a series of shocking arrests, taking into custody a group of children and teenagers alleged to be behind a major crime wave targeting residential suburbs. The suspects, some as young as 11 years old, are linked to numerous house break-ins where property valued at over US$10,000 was stolen.
Months-Long Crime Wave Unravels
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed they were investigating 20 separate cases of unlawful entry and theft that occurred between 15 October and 30 December 2025. The incidents primarily unsettled residents in the Nkulumane and Tshabalala neighbourhoods. According to Detective Inspector Stanley Muya, Officer-in-Charge at CID Nkulumane, a noticeable surge in break-ins from October 2025 into January 2026 triggered a focused police operation.
"On January 4, we apprehended four juveniles and they led to the arrest of 10 more juveniles," Inspector Muya stated. "They stole valuables worth over US$10,000." The stolen items included cash and household goods with a combined value of US$8,948, ZAR 13,400, and P2,350.
Young Suspects and Community Shock
While police initially reported the arrest of suspects aged between 12 and 16, a subsequent report by the state broadcaster ZBC indicated that 14 juveniles aged 11 to 17 were ultimately taken into custody. The involvement of such young individuals in serious property crime has caused significant distress within the community.
One local resident expressed sorrow over the "wasted potential" of the youths. In a poignant revelation, a parent of one suspect claimed to have had no knowledge of their child's alleged criminal activities, highlighting a potential breakdown in supervision.
Police Recovery and Public Warning
During the investigation, police managed to recover some of the stolen property. Ten juveniles assisted officers in retrieving items, including four mobile phones and several power banks. Following the arrests, Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, issued a dual warning.
She strongly urged parents to closely monitor their children's activities and associations. Simultaneously, she advised all residents to enhance their home security measures and avoid keeping large sums of cash on their premises.
The detained juveniles remain in custody as formal legal proceedings begin, marking a sombre start to the new year for the affected families and the wider Bulawayo community.
