Online Reporter
. . . Why is it that no-one appears to know these suspected robbers?
. . . Days after their photos were published, they are yet to be nabbed
. . . Who are these armed men? Surely, someone out there knows them
H-Metro Reporters
MORE than a week after police released the first photograph of one of the suspected armed robbers, who are believed to be terrorising residents of Mabelreign, Malborough and Westgate in Harare, a breakthrough is yet to be made in bringing the terror gang to justice.
A few days ago, two other suspected armed robbers, who are believed to be part of the same gang, were captured on CCTV outside a house in Malborough.
All the photographs of these three suspected armed robbers are very clear and the expectation was that police would get a number of leads to help them smash this gang.
“We were so sure that there would be some developments by now, especially after the photos of these guys began to circulate, and there was an air of relief in the community,” said a resident of Malborough, who chose not to be identified.
“I mean, the point is that someone, somewhere, knows these guys whose photos have been released and we thought these people would come forward and help the police.
“I’m not saying that we expected that help to come from their family members but they have neighbours, they have friends, they live in communities where they are known.
“They have friends from school, these guys know their names, these guys know where they live, these guys know the families of these armed robbers and surely you expect someone to tell the police some important information which could help them find these guys.
“But that hasn’t been the case and, to some of us, that’s a bit of a surprise but we can only wait and hope for the best because I can tell you my brother that we are still living in fear.
“Of course, there is a big police presence now and at night the police are now visible, which is a plus, but as long as these guys are out there, we will always have this fear that they will strike again.”
He added:
“I am not sure why they decided to concentrate in our neighbourhood, some are saying it was a phase, but maybe they have a reason, it looks like these guys were familiar to our area.
“It’s a delicate situation and you can understand why there is so much fear in our area because you remember these armed robbers, I’m not saying these are the ones who are the killers, but a security guard was killed during one of these robberies in our area.”
Last week, expectations were high that a lucky break could provide police with the breakthrough they needed to arrest the suspects. The expectations were boosted when one of the suspected armed robbers had his image captured on CCTV at a crime scene, giving police a major breakthrough in their investigations.
Police released that photograph of one of the suspected armed robbers and they appealed for help from the public to help them crack these cases.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, said police obtained CCTV footage of a prime suspect.
The footage was captured at a crime scene.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police, Harare Province, is investigating a series of robbery cases reported in Mabelreign and the Greater Harare Suburban District since February 2026.
“Operations are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects,” said Insp Chakanza.
He added that the suspects, believed to be a gang of four, have been targeting churches, schools, and private residences, using violence to break into premises, subdue victims, and steal cash and valuables.
“In some cases under investigation, sexual offences are also believed to have occurred.
“Anyone with information should contact Mabelreign Police Station on (0242) 305 651 or Harare Operations on (0242) 748836.
“The National Complaints Desk can be reached on (0242) 703631, or via WhatsApp 0712 800 197.”
Police have intensified patrols and deployed additional resources in affected areas.
Insp Chakanza said investigations were ongoing and there were some promising leads.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant, strengthen home and community security, avoid keeping large sums of cash at home, and report suspicious activity.
He said any information provided will be treated confidentially, adding that the police remain committed to public safety and security.
However, rather than providing the police with leads related to the identity of these armed, some of our readers, who appear to be women, appear to have been impressed by the looks of one of the suspects.
One of our readers dubbed him the ‘‘HANDSOME ROBBER.’’
Yemurai Karen Bridge, one of our readers, commented online and said:
“Yuhwii ngavanake va criminal vacho.”
