3 suspected armed robbers arrested

POLICE in Bulawayo arrested three suspects who were involved in a string of armed robberies in the city and stealing over US$1 000 from their victims.

Bulawayo’s acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the trio, Hopewell Ndlovu (32) from Pelandaba West, Emmanuel Masuku (29) and Israel Zikhali (26) both from Pumula South, Bulawayo committed their first reported crime on February 2 at Bambanani Shopping Centre in Gumtree.

“The suspects coked a pistol and instructed the complainant, a 30-year-old woman who is a shopkeeper, and her two male workmates aged 22 and 53 years not to move. One of the suspects proceeded to the counter and took US$700 and airtime vouchers worth US$200,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

She said the trio also stole the victim’s cellphones before they fled.

“They also took six cellphones, four of which were brought to the shop by customers for recharging,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

The suspects fled towards Old Gwanda Road.

“During the robbery, one of the suspects dropped his brown wallet on the floor which contained an Econet sim card and a US$1 note,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

She said the wallet which was recovered from the scene of the crime assisted police in conducting investigations which subsequently led to the identity of one of the suspects, Hopewell Ndlovu.

“On 5 February, information was received to the effect that Hopewell Ndlovu was at a certain house in Pelandaba West, Bulawayo leading to his arrest. Searches were conducted leading to the recovery of an okapi knife, clothes which he was wearing during the commission of the crime and some of the stolen cellphones,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

She said upon his arrest, Hopewell implicated his accomplices and they were arrested and subsequent recovery of 303 rifle.

“So far, we have recovered property worth US$500, and one of the suspects identified as Mpumelelo Mafu is still at large. We appreciate members of the public for working hand in hand with the police in the fight against crime,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

“We also appeal to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Mpumelelo Mafu to come forward.”

Meanwhile, Asst Insp Msebele said police have also arrested two suspects in connection with attempted murder, with one of them suspected to be mentally ill.

“On 5 February at around 4pm, the complainant’s aunt who stays in Emganwini in Bulawayo, received an anonymous call alerting her that one of the suspects, a 41-year-old woman from Emganwini Bulawayo was brutally assaulting his 20-month-old baby,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

She said the infant sustained a swollen eye and a fractured skull, as a result of the attack.

Asst Insp Msebele said the toddler was ferried to Mpilo Central Hospital where he was admitted.

“Investigations carried out revealed that the suspect is a drug addict and mentally unstable. We appeal to members of the public with mentally unstable relatives to monitor them and also provide them with the necessary support to ensure their well-being and the welfare of their children is catered for,” she said.

Asst Insp Msebele said in another incident that occurred on February, 7 at around 11pm, a 23-year-old man from Pumula South suburb stumbled upon the complainant, a 26-year-old man lying in a pool of blood with cuts on the head, back and both legs.

“The victim was unconscious. A police report was made and the complainant was ferried to Mpilo Central Hospital where his condition is critical,” she said.

The suspected is still at large.