By Dumisani Ndlovu
Five notorious armed robbery suspects were nabbed following au spate of robbery cases in Mkoba, Gweru in January 2024.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the arrests.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police, Gweru Rural district has made in-roads in dealing with cases of robberies and unlawful entry and thefts that had racked havoc, leaving the public in a panic mode. Their efforts have led to the arrest of a total of five suspects between 5 and 7 January 2024,” said Insp. Mahoko.
He said the spate of cases were committed during the period spanning from December 2023 to date.
“First to be arrested were four suspects, now linked to at least 11 armed robberies which occurred in Mkoba North High density residential suburbs and Ngamo areas under ZRP Nehanda and Gweru Rural policing areas respectively,”Insp. Mahoko said.
The gang was sold out by an attempted murder case where Joseph Musa (20) and Mandlenkosi Ndebele (18) stabbed their victim, Melody Nhongo aged 26 at Ngamo Business Centre, Gweru, with a knife.
The investigation team in the case, working with the public managed to make follow – ups, leading to the arrest of the four,Joseph Musa(20),Mandlenkosi Ndebele (18),Cleopas Mtetwa (31) and Nkosilathi Gumbo (35) all of Ngamo area, Gweru in raids at their different places of residence.
Inspector Mahoko said efforts are underway to account for four more suspects Lovemore Siziba, Mthulisi Sibanda, Bekhani Ndlovu and Nkululeko Nduna all of Ngamo, Gweru who are part of the robbery gang.
“Total value stolen in the robberies is USD $2 500-00 and property worthy USD $1 500-00 has been recovered. It comprises 11 cellphones and a radio speaker. Five complainants have since positively identified their property from among the recovered lot, held at ZRP Nehanda Police station. We invite members of the public who recently fell victim to robbers where cellphones were stolen to visit ZRP Nehanda and help in identifying the remaining cellphones,”Insp. Mahoko said.
The 5th suspect Tafadzwa Tundwane aged 25 of Mapendere Village, Chief Ndanga in Shurugwi was arrested for unlawful entries and thefts in Tongogara area, Shurugwi where he targeted schools. He would break into school premises and teachers quarters, stealing school uniforms, electrical gadgets, blankets, gas tanks, kitchen utensils and clothing items.
“In this case also, intelligence was picked from the public and he was arrested while selling his stolen loot at Chikava Business Centre, Shurugwi.
”So far, breakings linked to him happened at Vungwi Primary and Mpangayi Secondary Schools in Shurugwi,”he said.
Total value stolen is estimated at more than USD$5 000-00 and property valued at USD$4 000-00 has been recovered.
Police is still looking for his accomplice, named Mabeza Lordshare, of Mabeza Village under Chief Ndanga in Shurugwi. We seek assistance from the public to locate and arrest him.
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