Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writer
POLICE in Beitbridge have smashed a notorious eight-member gang, which had unleashed a reign of terror on residents and businesses in the border town over the past three months.
The suspects, who allegedly carried out a string of armed robberies between June and August, are believed to have stolen thousands of dollars in cash and valuables, leaving residents living in fear.
Beitbridge Residents Association chairperson, Mr Lawrence Tshili, said the arrests had brought relief to a community that had endured months of violence.
“We have been living in fear for a long time because of these robbers. They terrorised us and people lived in fear. They used various weapons, including guns, knives and machetes. They would even pepper-spray people before robbing them of their valuables,” he said.
Mr Tshili commended the police for their decisive action, but urged them to intensify night patrols to prevent future incidents.
“It was about time they were caught. Police did a sterling job, and we commend them for that. We would like to encourage them to increase night patrols to ensure the safety of residents and visitors,” he added.
The suspects were arrested during a sting operation after police detectives tracked one of the ringleaders, Future Moyo (35), to a robbery that took place on July 27 at a house in Garikai, Beitbridge. During that incident, R15 000 and two cellphones were stolen from an airtime vendor.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi identified the suspects as Moyo, Tinashe Nkomo (39) alias Sadamu/Jeck, Decent Moyo (35), Obey Chiware (38), Wiseman Muleya (30), Tendai Mapira (45), Khumbulani Mabhena (42) and Admire Charumbira (36).
Comm Nyathi said Moyo was nabbed while selling airtime vouchers at a discounted rate. His arrest led to the capture of the rest of the gang and the recovery of weapons and loot.
“The operation resulted in the recovery of a Girsan pistol loaded with 36 live rounds of ammunition, the suspects’ getaway vehicles, a Honda Fit (AEO 9989) and a Toyota Probox (AGT 7877) as well as airtime vouchers worth US$310,” he said.
Comm Nyathi said the gang is linked to several violent robberies, including a raid at a house in SDP New Stands where R4 000 and US$3 000 were stolen, a shop robbery in the same area where R27 100, US$130, two cellphones and shoes were taken.
He said they also attacked an airtime vendor in Dulivhadzimu on August 13, in which US$1,200, R2,000 and airtime worth US$2,500 were stolen and another house break-in in New Stands where R99,400, US$1,550 and a cellphone were taken.
Comm Nyathi applauded members of the public who supplied key intelligence that helped crack the case.
He also issued a stern warning to other armed robbery syndicates operating in the country.
“Operations are underway to bring armed robbery syndicates to account for their crimes. The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to warn robbery syndicates that operations to account for all suspects are in full swing, and we will ensure that all criminal groups involved in armed robbery cases are brought to justice,” said Comm Nyathi.
He reassured residents that police would not relent in their efforts to protect communities.
“We want to assure the public that we are here to maintain order and ensure public safety. There is no room for criminals in our society, and we will execute our duties without fear or favour,” he said.
Comm Nyathi urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activity via the National Complaints number (0242) 703631, WhatsApp (0712 800197), or at any nearest police station.
