Five Zimbabwean-born criminals and suspects who terrorised South Africa

South Africa has seen its fair share of notorious criminals over the years, including several Zimbabwean-born men whose names became associated with some of the country’s most serious crimes.

From serial murderers and rapists to an alleged fugitive linked to a string of violent offences, these cases have generated widespread attention and, in some instances, resulted in lengthy prison sentences.

Here are five Zimbabwean-born criminals and suspects whose cases made headlines in South Africa.

1. Wellington Kachidza – Zimbabwean criminal and Pretoria serial killer

Wellington Kachidza became one of the most notorious Zimbabwean nationals convicted of multiple violent crimes in Pretoria.

Kachidza was convicted of six murders, three rapes, eight kidnappings, eight counts of extortion and eight robberies.

The National Prosecuting Authority described the case as particularly serious.

In 2022, the court handed Kachidza six life sentences and an additional 192 years in prison.

His crimes were committed in Pretoria between 2018 and 2019, making him one of the most prolific offenders on this list.

2. Brian Mudyiwayana – Swellendam serial killer

Brian Mudyiwayana was convicted of a series of murders in the Western Cape after several people were killed in and around Swellendam.

The Zimbabwean national was found guilty of six murders, robbery with aggravating circumstances and offences under South Africa’s Refugees Act.

The Star reported that Mudyiwayana was on a killing spree between 2016 and 2017.

He was ultimately sentenced to six life terms plus an additional 17 years in prison.

The National Prosecuting Authority said an investigative psychologist described Mudyiwayana as a serial killer whose crimes were driven by factors including power, control and excitement.

The case remains one of the most disturbing serial-murder cases involving a Zimbabwean national in South Africa.

3. Charles Mthethwa – serial rapist and murderer

Charles Mthethwa became notorious for a series of rape and murder convictions in South Africa.

Mthethwa had been terrorising the communities of Olifantsfontein, Ivory Park and Erasmia between 2013 and 2015.

His criminal history resulted in an extraordinary prison sentence.

Mthethwa was already serving six life sentences when he was handed additional life sentences and more than 200 years for further offences.

His case illustrates the scale of the violent crimes committed against his victims and why he became known as one of South Africa’s most dangerous serial offenders.

4. Themba Prince Willards Dube – Limpopo serial killer

Themba Prince Willards Dube was convicted after being linked to the deaths of seven women in and around Polokwane.

The women disappeared at different times before their bodies were discovered, prompting a major investigation.

Dube was ultimately convicted of seven counts of murder and seven counts of kidnapping.

He received eight life sentences, along with additional prison time.

The case shocked Limpopo and drew attention to the vulnerability of women who disappeared while travelling or looking for work.

5. Lovemore Musoyi – wanted in connection with multiple serious crimes

Lovemore Musoyi provides a different case from the four convicted offenders.

The Zimbabwean national became the subject of an intensive police manhunt after South African authorities linked him to more than 10 serious criminal cases.

Police accused him of involvement in crimes including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, house robbery, business robbery, kidnapping, assault and stock theft.

He was also wanted in connection with the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Musoyi was reportedly arrested in Limpopo in January 2025 after hiding in mountainous terrain.