By admin 
File photo
Residents of Harare can breathe a collective sigh of relief following the arrest of eight suspected armed robbers responsible for a series of brazen robberies in the city.
The final suspect was arrested on November 13, allegedly while seeking spiritual help from a traditional healer in Glenview 1, ending a major police operation. The gang is charged with 12 counts of armed robbery, their crimes spanning from July 13 to October 3, 2024.
The arrests culminated in the recovery of significant evidence, including dangerous weapons and explosives. National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests and issued a statement detailing the items recovered. “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 the US$30,000 robbery of Dinwoo Investments in Workington, Harare, on October 28, 2024,” he stated.
The remaining three suspects were arrested later in November. Sydney Chemhere, alias Seedza (42), was arrested at Glenview 7 on November 11, with police recovering eight Emex explosives and three fuse wires. Tinotenda Mabhandi, alias Timbobo (38), was arrested at Makomva Shops in Glen View. The final arrest, Munyaradzi Gadzikwa (36), as previously reported, took place on November 13, while he was reportedly consulting a traditional healer in Glenview 1.
The robberies targeted a string of victims, underscoring the gang’s audacity and disregard for the law. On July 31, 2024, a church in Budiriro 5B was robbed of $2,599 in cash, a cell phone and three passports. On August 18, 2024, a house on Chinhamora Street in Ruwa was targeted and $2,300 was stolen. A private security company in Avondale suffered a significant loss on October 3, 2024: $80 cash, a laptop, seven firearms (including rifles and revolvers), and live ammunition. The most high-profile robbery involved the theft of $30,000 from Dinwoo Investments in Workington on October 28, 2024.
Commissioner Nyathi stressed that investigations are ongoing, indicating the gang may be responsible for further crimes across Harare. “In total, the suspects face twelve counts of armed robbery. We are working to ensure that all evidence is collected and justice is served,” he said. Police believe the gang’s activities went beyond the 12 confirmed cases and targeted churches, businesses and homes across the city.
The arrests have received widespread public approval, especially regarding the recovery of the dangerous explosives and firearms. The case also underlines a disturbing trend: criminal gangs seeking “spiritual protection” to strengthen their operations. The suspects are still in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Follow @MyZimbabweNews
Related Zimbabwe Latest News