Gimboki serial housebreaker finally arrested

📅 Published: August 18, 2025

📰 Source: zimbabwesituation

Curated by AllZimNews.com

Bwanali appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Poterai Gwezhira last Thursday, where he was not asked to plead to the charges.

He was not legally represented, and the State was represented by Ms Sandra Mlambo.

He was remanded in custody to August 21 for initial remand.

Mrs Mlambo said detectives closed in on Bwanali after receiving a crucial tip-off from a well-placed informant. “He was arrested in Dangamvura on July 24, through the assistance of an informer, who was put to task by detectives to supply information on his whereabouts.

On July 26, Bwanali was sent to court on a warrant of arrest, and was remanded in custody.

He was then retrieved from remand prison and interviews were conducted, leading to the clearance of 12 more counts of unlawful entry into premises,” said Ms Mlambo.

The court heard that the offences followed a similar pattern, with Bwanali allegedly targeting homes left unattended, forcing entry using unknown objects, and stealing a mixture of electrical appliances, household goods, clothing, groceries and cash. “In the first case, which occurred on January 28, Bwanali allegedly broke into the home of Mr John Marutanana while the complainant was away at training.

He stole cash amounting to US$15 000 and Rands 14 000, an inverter, blankets, wheelbarrow, clothing, shoes, and cellphone among other items.

Property worth US$4 500 was recovered after his arrest, including a Toyota Wish allegedly bought from the proceeds,” said Ms Mlambo.

On April 4, he is alleged to have raided the home of Ms Yvonne Madzirashe, making off with a television set, battery, blankets, pots, clothing, and US$160.

Goods worth US$585 were recovered.

Bwanali is also alleged to have broken into Mrs Febbie Muringwe’s home on March 28, while she was away in the rural areas, taking nine blankets, sheets, groceries, clothing, and cash. “He later led detectives to recover some of the stolen blankets and sheets,” said Ms Mlambo. “On May 10, he allegedly targeted the home of Mr Phineas Nemaunga, stealing US$3 800 cash, a 42-inch television set, subwoofer, DVD player, bank cards, clothes, blankets, and groceries.