Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu, Chronicle Correspondent
POLICE have arrested 531 armed robbery suspects countrywide from January to date with 206 of them having been convicted as the country intensifies its crackdown against criminality.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, revealed this in an interview with Zimpapers where he vowed that the law enforcement agency was leaving no stone unturned in bringing all culprits to book.
The arrests follow a wave of armed robberies across the country amid growing public concern over the increasing use of firearms in criminal activities, an issue that was once rare in Zimbabwe.
Retail shops, fuel service stations, banks and illegal money changers have been the major targets of armed robbers.
“Operations are already yielding positive results, with arrests being made throughout the country,” said Comm Nyathi.
He noted that a comprehensive multi-pronged strategy was being rolled out by the Zimbabwe Republic Police to combat the rise in gun-related robberies, including the deployment of specialised crack teams, enhanced surveillance at the country’s borders, and improved firearm tracking and regulation.
At the heart of the police efforts is a campaign to stop the smuggling and misuse of illegal firearms, said Comm Nyathi.
Already, police have launched operations such as “No to Cross-Border Crimes”, and “No to Illegal Firearms, Toy Guns and Dangerous Weapons”, aimed at both apprehending criminals and cutting off the supply of the dangerous weapons.
“The Commissioner-General of police (Comm Stephen Mutamba) has set up crack teams to track and disrupt the flow of illicit firearms.
“Regular checks are being carried out at police stations to update firearm ownership records,” said Comm Nyathi.
“The computerisation of the firearm registration process will also assist in tracking the abuse of firearms.”
Comm Nyathi revealed that investigations conducted so far indicate that firearms used in these robberies come from various sources.
“The suspected sources of firearms used in armed robbery cases are varied. Some are smuggled into the country through illegal ports of entry and exit along our borders,” he said.
“Others are stolen from guards at commercial premises, vehicles, and homes. Some are licensed firearms stolen due to negligence by the owners, or through misuse by family members of deceased licence holders,” he added.
To deal with these challenges head-on, Comm Nyathi said the police has intensified its intelligence-led operations and improving border security to intercept firearms before they reach the streets.
“The police are increasing vigilance at border points to detect and prevent smuggling. We are also relying on intelligence to track down firearms suppliers and users,” he said.
“Community engagement has become a key part of our strategy, which is encouraging citizens to report suspicious activity, which has already led to successful busts.”
Additionally, Comm Nyathi, said the deployment of specialised police units to known hotspots has significantly strengthened response times to robbery incidents.
Forensic investigation capabilities have also been enhanced.
“We have equipped our CID Forensics section to enhance investigative skills and track down suspects,” he added.
This comes as the rise in gun-related crimes has triggered alarm among the public, especially following high-profile cases such as the shooting of prominent Harare businessman Mr Joseph Mutangadura and last year’s Ecobank Zimbabwe daylight heist of US$4 million in Bulawayo.
“It’s unimaginable to learn that armed robberies are now being conducted entirely with firearms,” said Mr Norman Mangena, a resident of Bulawayo’s Khumalo suburb.
“We are becoming like other countries where guns are common. This is not the Zimbabwe I used to know.
Cases involving firearms were once rare. Now, I fear we are no longer safe.”
His sentiments echo broader anxiety being felt across communities, with reports of firearm-related robberies now making near-daily headlines.
Comm Nyathi assured the public that the police are actively addressing the situation and are committed to reducing gun crime.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has taken note of the public’s growing concern about armed robbery cases involving firearms,” he said.
“The police have increased visibility in high-risk areas to deter crime and are engaging communities to build trust and encourage co-operation.”
Comm Nyathi also urged members of the public to continue playing their part by reporting any suspicious activities, stressing that citizen cooperation is critical in the fight against armed crime.
“The public is encouraged to report suspicious criminal activities through the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197, or at any nearest police station,” he said.
