By Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of two individuals, Nelson Matsvange (44) and Frank Tirivani (36), who have been connected to a staggering twenty-five-armed robbery cases spanning over a year.
In a statement, police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the arrests were made by detectives from CID Masvingo on May 1st, 2023, and have shed light on a series of criminal activities that have plagued the Province since March 2022.
“On 01st May 2023, detectives from CID Masvingo arrested Nelson Matsvanje at Village 13 Crown Range, Zaka after CCTV footage linked him to a case of armed robbery which occurred at Musvovi Business centre, Renco, Masvingo. The suspect implicated two other suspects who are still at large and Frank Tirivani, leading to his arrest at Ringirayi Village, Zaka.
“The arrest led to the recovery of an AK 47 rifle which was hidden in a cave in Chivamba area, Zaka, with a magazine of 31 live rounds of ammunition, five cellphones, an HP laptop, a satchel, two machetes, a comforter blanket and US$50 cash.
“The suspects are linked to twenty-five (25) cases of armed robbery and one (01) case of unlawful entry into premises and theft which occurred at Manjirenji Game Park, Chiredzi in March 2022 where an AK 47 rifle with 31 rounds of live ammunition were stolen. The suspects cleared a case of robbery which occurred at Machiva Clinic, Zaka in January 2023 and other four (4) robbery cases which occurred at Gororo Business Centre, Chivi in May 2023,” said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi implored business owners to enhance security systems at business premises and warned armed robber, syndicates that the long arm of the law will catch up with them as police crack teams are on high alert to ensure that the law takes its course.
