Crime reporter
ONE of eight suspected armed robbers who targeted residents, churches and businesses has been arrested while allegedly receiving spiritual deliverance from a traditional healer at a house in the suburb of Glenview 1, Harare.
So far, police have arrested all eight suspected robbers wanted in connection with the cases, including the US$30,000 robbery that took place at a business in Workington area of Harare.
The suspects are suspected of twelve robberies.
In a statement, National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Police press statement issued on November 4, 2024, regarding the arrest of Spencer Mapfumo at the age of 42, Patrick Chibaba alias Mupositori at the age of 38, Tarwirei Madzudzu alias Mukanya at the age of 50, Paddington Meki at age 44 and Washington Marunze at age 36. in connection with seven cases of armed robbery, including one incident that occurred on October 28, 2024 at Dinwoo Investments, Workington, Harare, where US$30,000 cash was stolen.
“The Republic of Zimbabwe Police confirms the arrest of three additional suspects in connection with the armed robbery cases. The suspects are Sydney Chemhere alias Seedza, 42 years old, Tinotenda Mabhandi alias Timbobo, 38 years old, and Munyaradzi Gadzikwa, 36 years old,” he said. On November 11, 2024, detectives from CID Homicide, Harare arrested Sydney Chemhere after receiving information that he was hiding at Glenview 7, Harare.
The arrest led to the recovery of eight Emex explosives and three fuse cables.
Tinotenda Mabhande was later arrested at Makomva Shops in Glen View, Harare.
Munyaradzi Gadzikwa was arrested on November 13, 2024 while allegedly receiving spiritual help from a traditional healer at a house in Glenview 1, Harare.
The three suspects are further facing five counts of robbery that occurred between July 13, 2024 and October 3, 2024 in Harare, including a case of armed robbery that occurred on July 31, 2024 at a church in Budiriro 5B, Harare, where $2,599 was taken cash, a mobile phone and three passports stolen and another case of armed robbery took place on August 18, 2024 at a house at Chinhamora Street, Ruwa, where $2,300 cash was stolen. The suspects are also linked to a case of robbery that took place on October 3, 2024 at a private security company along Lighton Road, Avondale, Harare, where $80 cash, a laptop, four 303 rifles, one 0.22 rifle, three revolvers and various plastic objects were seized. bags of live ammunition were stolen.
Comm Nyathi said: “All in all, the suspects are facing 12 counts of armed robbery in which churches, businesses and residential areas were targeted. Investigations are underway to link the suspects to other robberies.