Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
SIX suspected armed robbers accused of terrorising Beitbridge and surrounding areas through a string of violent attacks on businesses, lodges, service stations and church congregants have been arrested, with police linking them to 14 robbery cases.
The suspects were arrested by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Beitbridge after police received information that they were planning further robberies in the border town.
The arrests followed investigations into a robbery spree allegedly carried out between March and September this year.
During the period, the gang reportedly used pistols to intimidate victims before stealing cash, mobile phones, laptops and other valuables.
In a statement, CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the arrests and said detectives had recovered stolen property and weapons allegedly used in the commission of the crimes.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has made a significant breakthrough in investigations into a series of violent armed robberies targeting members of the public and business premises in Beitbridge and surrounding areas, following the arrest of six accused persons and recovery of stolen property, recovery of weapons used in the commission of the crimes, as well as a seven-year prison sentence for one of the accused persons,” she said.
The suspects have been identified as Clatton Dube (36), Tapiwa Trymore Moyo (38), also known as Kudakwashe Mudzingwa or Gweja, Philimon Bernard Dambwara (34), Nyasha Muparira (45), Jameson Chikozho (25) and Stanley Shumba (22).
Investigations established that the suspects allegedly targeted service stations, lodges, private residences, business premises, a medical facility and members of the public in Beitbridge and surrounding areas.
In one of the most brazen incidents, the gang allegedly raided a church in Mashavire, Beitbridge, on April 25 while congregants were attending a service.
The suspects reportedly ordered worshippers to lie down before robbing three congregants of cash, mobile phones and a laptop.
In another incident on May 20, the gang allegedly broke into a lodge room occupied by a complainant and stole US$2 710, R18 700 and a cellphone.
The suspects’ alleged criminal activities extended beyond Beitbridge, with investigations linking them to robbery cases in Masvingo, Mwenezi and Gutu.
In one of the Masvingo cases, they allegedly posed as genuine customers before luring an illegal foreign-currency dealer to a secluded location, where they robbed him of R55 000 and a cellphone.
The suspects are also linked to robbery cases in Kuwadzana, Snake Park and White House in Harare, as well as Gweru and Murambinda.
The gang’s activities came to an end after detectives, acting on intelligence, tracked the suspects to Mfelandawonye in Beitbridge, where they were arrested.
Subsequent interviews led to the recovery of two Blow P29 air pistols and ammunition.
Detective Inspector Muteweri commended members of the public for assisting police efforts to combat crime.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police commends members of the public for their concerted efforts in the fight against crime. The Zimbabwe Republic Police remains committed to disrupting criminal networks through intelligence-led operations, thorough investigations and effective collaboration with communities,” she said.
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