Suspected serial offender arrested after victim spots him on bus

A suspected serial offender has been arrested in Filabusi after a robbery victim recognised him on a public bus, months after her phone was stolen, police have said. The man, identified by police as Cosmo Sibanda, was arrested on 20 March 2026 after the woman alerted authorities when she saw him during her journey to town. The victim, who asked not to be named, said she had been robbed of her mobile phone in December 2025 in Mbodweni, Ward 4, and had reported the case to police.

However, no arrest had been made at the time. “My phone was robbed in December 2025 at Mbodweni Ward 4 in Filabusi and I reported the case to the police,” she said. “A few weeks later, I was called to identify a suspect, but it was not the person.” She said the case took a turn on Friday when she boarded a bus and recognised the man she believed had robbed her.

“I approached the driver and told him about the situation. He agreed to drive to the nearest police station,” she said. “On the way, there was a roadblock, so I informed the police and the suspect was arrested.” Police confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect is facing multiple charges.

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Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Chiratidzo Dube said Sibanda is linked to several offences in the area. “The suspect, Cosmo Sibanda, was arrested on 20 March 2026 for stealing phones from several victims and is also facing a rape charge reported in December 2025,” she said. “He has other pending charges, and we urge anyone who may have been affected to come forward to Filabusi Police Station.”

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