8 robbers nabbed

Victor Maphosa Herald Correspondent
POLICE have arrested eight armed robbers in Harare and Masvingo, recovering goods worth thousands of dollars.

Deputy national police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Blessmore Chishaka said police will not fold hands while robbers terrorise innocent people.

“Four suspects have been arrested in Harare in connection with several cases of robbery. The accused persons would pounce on unsuspecting motorists at traffic lights near Warren Park along the Harare -Bulawayo Road,” he said.

“One of their victims identified them at the spot and mobilised the public who apprehended one of the suspects and handed him over to the police. Police investigations led to the arrest of three other suspects and recovery of cellphones, a wallet and identity particulars of other victims. The suspects will appear in court soon.”

The four are Austin Kajese (23), Jenola Jemwa (18), Kudzaishe Jokomo (20) and Unite Mafunga (19.

Meanwhile, police in Masvingo have arrested Munyaradzi Mafuratidze (21), Kuzivakwashe Jinjika (24), Tafadzwa Madambi (36) and Tichaona Zimuto (28) all of Masvingo for robbery and rape. The suspects were committing the crimes using a Silver Honda Fit registration number AEL 6909.

“The suspects would offer transport to unsuspecting travellers and rob them of their property along the way. In one of the incidents, one of the victims was also raped. The accused persons’ luck ran out when they were observed refuelling their car in Masvingo and the car was trailed and intercepted at a police roadblock.

“On January 3, the accused robbed four people along the Masvingo-Zvishavane Road. They stole three cellphones and four satchels which were all recovered. On the same day at about 2100hrs, the accused robbed two people along Mutare-Masvingo Road and stole cash, two cellphones and other valuables. One of the victims was stabbed on the shoulder with a knife during robbery. The cellphones and US$105 were recovered at the time of arrest,” Chief Supt Chishaka said.