Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
THREE habitual thieves with pending arrest warrants were arrested in Sakubva, following a botched robbery attempt on a teenager last week.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident, which occurred on September 18, around 5am.
He said the attempted robbery happened as Frank Nyagura (18), a Lower Sixth learner at Elise Gledhill High School, was returning home from extra lessons.
Nyagura was confronted by the three suspects – Farai Charamba (30), of Mazhambe, Sakubva; Liberty Gumedhe, of OTS, Sakubva and Kudakwashe Chitande (25), of Tenderere, Sakubva.
“Nyagura encountered the three men emerging from the Bodyslam area. They surrounded him, searched his pockets, and found nothing. Subsequently, they demanded his satchel, but before they could seize it, a truck passed by, forcing them to feign innocence. The complainant took advantage of the situation, fled, and raised alarm,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Alert residents swiftly responded to the distress call, apprehending Charamba and handing him over to ZRP Sakubva.
Police reacted promptly to the report, and arrested Gumedhe and Chitande in Bako and Tenderere suburbs, respectively.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said preliminary investigations revealed the trio’s involvement in a string of theft cases in and around Mutare.
“The suspects confessed stealing various properties, and thus far, police have recovered two 6000-watt solar panels and one 1200-watt solar panel. Investigations have also established that some of the recovered property had been stolen outside the Sakubva policing area. We are still investigating other outstanding cases, including the theft of speakers, whose whereabouts the accused are yet to disclose,” he said.
He added that the case was escalated to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for thorough handling, as reports from other stations, including ZRP Mutare Central and ZRP Chikanga, linked the suspects to
pending cases.
In a further revelation, Assistant Inspector Chinyoka confirmed that two of the suspects had defaulted on previous court sentences.
“It was established that Charamba was on a warrant of arrest, having been sentenced to pay a fine of US$120, which he defaulted. Similarly, Chitande was also on a warrant of arrest in connection with a Domestic Violence Act case, where he was sentenced to pay a fine of US$140. Both had continued roaming the streets and committing further crimes,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He also noted that the arrests were made possible through the vigilance of residents and the swift reaction of police officers, who tracked down the other suspects after Charamba’s arrest.
“The community and police worked hand-in-hand. The public’s swift response was critical in ensuring that these habitual offenders were taken off the streets. As the police, we will continue strengthening patrols, and we urge residents to continue cooperating with us,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, while issuing a warning to would-be offenders.
“This case should serve as a warning to all criminals in Sakubva and beyond. The law will eventually catch up with you, no matter how many times you evade it. Those with outstanding cases should take note that we are leaving no stone unturned in bringing offenders to justice. We are also urging communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately,” warned Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
