5 arrested for armed robbery in Gweru

GWERU-Five armed robbers have been nabbed by Police in Gweru in connection with theft cases in and around the Midlands capital committed last year.

The spate of robbery cases were committed during the period spanning from December 2023 to date, Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed.

First to be arrested were four suspects, now linked to at least 11 armed robberies which occurred in Mkoba North residential suburbs and Ngamo areas under ZRP Nehanda and Gweru Rural policing areas respectively.

The gang was sold out following 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 in raids at their different places of residence.

The four are Joseph Musa (20), Mandlenkosi Ndebele (18), Cleopas Mtetwa (31) and Nkosilathi Gumbo (35) all of Ngamo area, Gweru.

Meanwhile efforts are underway to account for four more suspects who are part of the robbery gang, who are Lovemore Siziba, Mthulisi Sibanda, Bekhani Ndlovu and Nkululeko Nduna all of Ngamo, Gweru.

Mahoko said property worth US$1 500 has since been recovered.

He further confirmed the arrest of the 5th suspect, Tafadzwa Tundwane.

“Total value stolen in the robberies is US$2 500 and property worth US$1 500 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.

“The 5th suspect Tafadzwa Tundwane (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, information was provided by the public and he was arrested while selling his stolen loot at Chikava Business Centre in Shurugwi. So far, break ins linked to him happened at Vungwi Primary and Mpangayi Secondary Schools in Shurugwi.

“Total value of stolen goods is estimated at more than US$5 000 and property valued at US$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.” Mahoko said.