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Rutendo Nyeve and Mkhululi Ncube, Sunday News Reporters
ONE of the most wanted armed robbers in the country escaped for the second time on Thursday following a shoot-out with detectives at the border town of Plumtree after he escaped another shoot-out in Cowdray Park the previous day.
Simelweyinkosi Dube(27) escaped arrest after exchanging gunfire with police officers in Cowdray Park on Wednesday where he shielded himself with his girlfriend. He shot and wounded two detectives. The incident also saw his girlfriend Siwinile Ndlovu sustaining injuries and is admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.
It has since emerged that after his escape, Dube headed to one of his accomplice’s home in Plumtree where detectives laid an ambush. However, when he arrived at the residence and saw the detectives, he ran away and a shoot-out ensued.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner
confirmed the incident saying Dube was suspected to have skipped the border to Botswana.
“I can confirm that after Simelweyinkosi Dube escaped a shoot-out in Cowdray Park, he headed to one of his accomplice’s house in Plumtree. Alert detectives, however, laid an ambush and when he saw them, he ran away.
The police fired shots trying to stop him but he escaped. He arrived at the residence on 3 August, 2023 at around 8pm. We suspect that he could have skipped the border to Botswana. On Friday, a search was carried out in the bush but we did not find him,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Dube is wanted in connection with a case of armed robbery which occurred at Insindi Ranch, Gwanda on 30 July where three family members were attacked before US$7 800,00 cash, jewelry worth US$200, a Bulawayo Agricultural Show Society trophy, 15 X 9 mm live ammunition, FN 9 mm pistol loaded with 13 rounds, Cadix 0.38 revolver and an empty magazine were stolen.
Three of his accomplices, Alex Cabangani Moyo (37), Vusumuzi Moyo (27) and Mlungisi Sibanda (44) were arrested on Thursday after a shoot-out in Bulawayo. — @nyeve14
Online Reporter