…fresh from jail, 20-year-old back behind bars after Redcliff car theft
By Tinotenda Kutama
A 20-year-old ex-convict barely two weeks out of prison under the Presidential Amnesty is back in jail after masterminding a daring house break-in and car theft in Redcliff, in a case that has shocked residents and raised concerns over repeat offenders.
Benjamin Manyangadze of Ruwa on Thursday appeared before Kwekwe Magistrate Naison Dhambuza facing charges of unlawful entry into premises and theft of a motor vehicle as defined under Sections 131 and 113 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]..
Manyangadze was slapped with a two years six months jail term for the first count. Six months were suspended on condition that he restitutes US$2800 to the complainant by 30 April 2026.
On the second count Manyangadze was sentenced to two years behind bars.
Another year was brought forward from a previous conviction.
State papers said Manyangadze was arrested on 16 March 2026 at around 1600hours at Murombedzi Business Centre following a swift police operation involving detectives and officers from ZRP Murombedzi.
Police say the suspect had only been released from Marondera Prison on 2 March 2026 through a Presidential pardon where he was serving time for six counts of unlawful entry and theft.
In the latest incident, which occurred on 11 March 2026 at around 1700hours in Redcliff, Kwekwe, the complainant, Tawanda Godfrey Magure, returned home to find his house broken into.
Stolen from the house were car keys for a Peugeot vehicle (registration number AGY 1389), US$1 800 in cash, a Tecno cellphone and other valuables. The suspect allegedly used the stolen keys to drive away the vehicle, which had been parked in the yard.
A breakthrough came five days later when detectives spotted the stolen Peugeot being driven along the Chinhoyi–Chegutu Road. They quickly alerted ZRP Murombedzi, leading to a coordinated interception at Murombedzi Business Centre.
The suspect was arrested and the stolen motor vehicle and Tecno cellphone were recovered.
Police said the total value of stolen property is US$9 920, while recovered items, including the vehicle and cellphone, are valued at US$7 500.
