The Boterekwa Pass, a 6km winding mountain stretch leading into Shurugwi, has become notorious for armed robberies, with criminals targeting motorists whose vehicles have broken down at night.
Due to the steep and challenging nature of the road, heavy trucks struggle daily to navigate the ascent, often crawling at a slow pace. Some trucks lose their brakes, leading to devastating crashes, including fatal accidents where haulage trucks jackknife.
Armed robbers are exploiting these situations, preying on stranded drivers and those involved in accidents. These criminals patrol the area at night, approaching motorists and threatening them with knives and guns to steal valuables and ransack their vehicles.
Romeo Shangwa, the Shurugwi District Development Coordinator, confirmed to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/boterekwa-stretch-a-haven-for-armed-robbers/">The Herald</a> that the pass has recently become a prime target for armed robbers, turning it into a dangerous hotspot for criminal activity. Said Shangwa:
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We have had some worrisome reports along the Boterekwa Pass of late, with armed robbers patrolling the area and robbing truck drivers who are in their broken-down trucks. They also ransack trucks and loot goods.
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Shangwa recalled a particularly distressing incident involving a motorist whose truck became stranded on the pass. He said:
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The robbers were reportedly armed with guns and robbed their victim before forcing him to do some push-ups.
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Runesu Mbalekwa, a truck driver who was robbed on November 3, said the robbers took all the cash he had on him. He said:
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I was on my way to Chirundu from Johannesburg when I got stuck at Boterekwa. When I reported the fault back in South Africa, I remained at the scene.
At midnight, I was awakened by a harsh knock on the driver’s door, only to realize I was being robbed.
They took all the cash I had and ransacked my truck, leaving me stranded.
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Local villager Aron Marufu, who lives at the foot of Boterekwa mountain, said:
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My homestead is at the foot of Boterekwa Mountain, and if accidents occur, we are the first to hear and witness them.
Of late, we have been hearing gunshots, with robbers now patrolling the area before robbing motorists.
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More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The Boterekwa Pass near Shurugwi is now a dangerous place for motorists because armed robbers are targeting stranded drivers and those involved in accidents. The steep road is difficult for trucks to navigate, leading to breakdowns and accidents. Criminals use this opportunity to steal from drivers, threatening them with weapons. Many incidents have been reported, with drivers being robbed of their valuables and even forced to do push-ups. Local villagers are also hearing gunshots in the area. The pass has become a hotspot for criminal activity, making it unsafe for travelers.

Shurugwi’s Boterekwa Pass Now A Robbery Zone For Stranded Motorists

Mining activities in and around the Boterekwa area in Midlands Province have caused significant damage to one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic and scenic roads, putting the safety of motorists and travellers at risk.
Chinese-owned companies, accused of ignoring environmental laws, alongside small-scale miners (known as makorokoza), have been digging beneath the road and blasting the mountain range.
The area has been further compromised by trucks hauling heavy loads of gold ore and soil, alongside other illegal mining activities.
Potholes and dangerous ditches have formed, and images of the damage have circulated on social media, drawing attention to the urgent situation.
In response, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday that work to repair the damaged road would begin soon. It said:
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Illegal mining activities are causing damage to our road infrastructure!
Currently, the Shurugwi-Zvishavane Road (Boterekwa area) is affected. The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is working to repair the road by tomorrow.
Let’s work together to preserve our roads and prevent accidents! Be wary of illegal mining activities and report any incidents to the authorities.
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However, X users blamed ZANU PF and Chinese miners for flagrantly violating environmental laws and causing damage to the road.
The last king of CHIVI wrote: “Let’s stop pretending that we don’t know who are destroying our environment and now roads, in china they conserve every inch of their country. The way they’re damaging Boterekwa shows how much hate they have for us and our country”.
Lancie Sekos said: “Half-hearted.. tepid statement.. we all know who is causing this damage to the roads but of course, you wouldn’t dare touch on that. Boterekwa as we knew it is no more.. we have the Chinese (who would never do this in their own country lest they face the firing squad) &amp; Zanu thugs.”
Erikana Mbedzi said: “That area is under a Chinese company called Chengxi. Why are you not arresting them for environmental degradation and damage to infrastructure? Munovatyaka maChina. The only foreigners whose arrest has to be okayed by Vene”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mining activities in the Boterekwa area in Zimbabwe have damaged a beautiful road, making it dangerous for drivers. Chinese-owned companies and small-scale miners have been digging underground and blasting the mountains, causing potholes and ditches. Trucks carrying heavy loads have made the situation worse. The Ministry of Transport announced they will fix the road soon. People on social media blamed Chinese miners and the government for not following environmental laws. They said the Chinese companies are damaging the road and should be arrested.

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