“Police Investigating Stolen Irrigation Pipes Make Shock Discovery In Suspect’s Garden”

Police in Chipinge arrested a man last week after stumbling upon a garden of mbanje while investigating a theft at a farm compound in the town.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Cephas Chirume last Thursday.

“On 30 July 2026, police in Chipinge arrested Cephas Chirume, 27, for unlawful cultivation of dagga at Farm Nine Compound, Middle Sabi,” he said.

“The arrest follows a report of theft in which irrigation pipes were suspected to have been stolen at the farm.

“Police attended the scene, and during a search at the suspect’s garden, a field of dagga was discovered.”

In an unrelated case, a 19-year-old man, Eric Masuku of Gwabalanda, has been arrested by police at Queens Park in Bulawayo for stock theft in contravention of Section 114 of the Criminal Law [Codification and Reform] Act [Chapter 9:23].

The arrest followed an operation at the Umguza Roadblock under Operation Shining Star. Officers intercepted a silver Honda Fit at around 10.30 pm on 28 July and recovered a skinned cow carcass, seven blood-stained knives, an axe and a machete during a search of the vehicle.

Two passengers allegedly jumped from the car and fled the scene. Masuku, who was driving, was arrested and is assisting police with investigations.

Police added that investigations are continuing, and efforts are underway to locate the two outstanding suspects.