Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
THREE daring Bulawayo robbers who terrorised the city for months were dramatically arrested after a high-speed chase in Mbundane, while in a separate operation, detectives in Harare swooped on a murder suspect linked to the brutal killing of a Norton businessman.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the twin breakthroughs, praising detectives for their swift work and the public for providing key leads.
“Nehemiah Dladla (38), Simon Dube (28) and Sekai Vhumbunu (45) were arrested in connection with a spate of robbery cases which occurred in Bulawayo between 25 June and 3 October 2025,” said Comm Nyathi.
Detectives from CID Homicide, Bulawayo, moved in after receiving a tip-off that Dladla had just struck near a shop along Leopold Takawira Avenue, getting away with US$36 000 and a cellphone.
The law caught up with him moments later. “Detectives made a follow-up leading to the arrest of the suspect along an unnamed road in Mbundane, Bulawayo, after a speed chase,” said Nyathi.
Dladla then fingered his partner-in-crime Simon Dube, who was nabbed near Nketa Six Service Station, and both men later implicated Sekai Vhumbunu, a known illegal money changer accused of leaking information about cash movements.
Investigations led to the recovery of US$2 000 and the gang’s getaway vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner.
Police say the trio is linked to at least four armed robberies, including a 10 August 2025 heist at a Fife Street restaurant where US$4 000 and ZAR60 000 were stolen, and another at Nkolozi Investments on 3 September, where robbers made off with US$16 668 and ZAR151 800.
Meanwhile, in a separate sting operation, detectives from CID Homicide, Harare, arrested Phillip Mutasa (38) for the robbery and murder of Joseph Mutangadura (67) at his Mutangadura Hideout in Ruwa on 17 August 2025.
“On 3 October 2025, detectives tracked the suspect leading to his arrest in Mkoba Six, Gweru. The suspect implicated seven accomplices who are on the run,” said Nyathi.
Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and keep reporting criminal activity. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police applauds the public for providing positive information which led to the arrest of the suspects,” Comm Nyathi said.
He urged anyone with further information to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800197, or report at any nearest police station.
