11 armed robbery suspects nabbed

, a prominent businessman in the city, in connection with theft of gold and other property valued at more than $17 000.
The theft happened on Monday at about 11.30 pm at Green Diamond Farm in Sherwood Two area.
Sources in Amaveni suburb said Matambanadzo picked up some youths at a local hotel, with promises of getting them rich fast from the recently-discovered alluvial gold deposit at Sherwood.
“Most of the gang got advance pay in the form of beer before the group left for Sherwood,” said a source.
Police said Matambanadzo (47) of Amaveni was arrested together with Moses Chibi (30), Barbiton Makuwe (25), Cephas Sibanda (21), David Dube (36) and Hillary Phiri (31). Also arrested are Collen Moyo, Tarisai Manhuru, Danisani Mashabini, Tongai Nyaku and Ngazimbi Chese whose ages were not given.
Midlands police spokesperson, Inspector Patrick Chademana said all the 11 suspects are believed to be part of a 13-member group that robbed four men in Sherwood.
He said all the suspects were residents of Kwekwe.
“It is alleged four men were travelling in a Toyota Hiace minibus on their way to Caprum Block mine in Sherwood, Kwekwe. When they were about three kilometres from the mine, their vehicle was blocked by a red Isuzu pick-up truck and a group of men disembarked from it,” said Insp Chademana.
He said the group confronted the four complainants and immediately started assaulting them using fists, sticks, shovels and open hands. He said the 11 suspects went on to search the complainants and their vehicle and took away $11 000 cash and two cell phones from one of the complainants, Mr Wonder Nhapata.
“From the minibus, the gang took away a GPX 500 metal detector, three shovels, two picks, a mattock and the ignition keys before driving away,” he said.
Insp Chademana said the suspects went and blocked the way of another vehicle, a Toyota Hilux and used the same modus operandi.
He said two complainants from the second incident sustained cuts on their heads following the assaults by the rampaging gang.
“The complainants were searched and the gang took away $30 from them. Both cases were reported at Kwekwe Central Police Station and the injured were taken to Kwekwe District Hospital where they were treated and discharged. Investigations were immediately instituted leading to the arrest of the suspects.
“First to be arrested was Matambanadzo and Chibi leading to the recovery of a vehicle, an Isuzu pick up truck which was used in the robberies,” said Insp Chademana.
He said more follow-ups were made and property comprising a metal detector, three shovels and a pick were recovered from a shop at Amaveni Home Industries in Kwekwe.
Insp Chademana said the complainants were invited to the police station where they positively identified the recovered property. “The recovered property was valued at $7 000. The investigating officers continued to make headway and arrested nine more suspects. Two more suspects are still at large. Investigations are progressing and the suspects will be taken to court soon,” said Insp Chademana.