Five suspected armed robbers who were terrorizing Bulawayo residents attacking people before robbing them of their cash and their valuables have been arrested.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests following a tip off.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Taurai Jirongo (34), Ellias Banda, alias Bongani Sibanda (38), Sunboy Sibanda, alias Eric (37), Gilbert Sibanda (28) and Hamilton Maphosa (50) in connection with armed robbery, unlawful entry and theft cases which occurred between 2021 and 24th September 2022 in Bulawayo.
“On 27th September 2022, detectives reacted to a tip off and arrested the suspects at their hideout in Pumula. The arrest led to the recovery of a machete, knife and screw driver which the suspects used in a robbery case which occurred on 05th June 2022 at a house along Euphobia Road, Newton West Bulawayo where a 42 inch Samsung television set, a dressed chicken, adapter and cellphone were stolen,” said Ass. Comm Nyathi
He said the suspects are linked to a spate of robberies and unlawful entry cases in which they used a stolen pistol to commit their crimes.
“The suspects are linked to eleven cases of armed robbery and unlawful entry and theft, which include a case of robbery which occurred in Nyamadhlovu where the complainant was robbed of a pistol, and ZAR 180-00 cash. The stolen firearm was used to commit an armed robbery case in Inyathi where US$900-00 cash was stolen and another robbery case in Ntabazinduna where unspecified amount of cash was stolen in a tuckshop.
“In another case, which occurred on 16 May 2022, the suspects stole two television sets, two speakers and clothing at a house along Van Roebuck, Barhamgreen, Bulawayo, while on 06 August 2022 the suspects pounced at a house along Stroud Road South- World before stealing a 43 inch television set, an Open View decoder and food stuffs.” he said
