Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
POLICE in Bulawayo have brought down a machete-wielding gangster who unleashed a reign of terror in Cowdray Park, leaving a trail of blood and fear across the suburb.
Mkhululi Moyo (30) was dramatically arrested in the Bulawayo city centre on Tuesday after a tip-off, ending weeks of panic among residents. Police say he is linked to a violent gang that carried out a string of armed robberies, carjacking, attempted murder and theft of motor vehicles.
“We confirm the arrest of Mkhululi Moyo for theft of a motor vehicle, murder, attempted murder and a spate of armed robberies in Cowdray Park area,” said Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
The breakthrough came after Moyo’s alleged accomplice, Ndumiso Nxumalo (25), was nabbed by police in Tsholotsho on 30 July. Nxumalo spilled the beans, implicating Moyo and another suspect, Themba Moyo, who is still on the run.
Nxumalo led police to a phone dealer in the CBD where a loot of stolen gadgets was recovered. Among them were a blue Galaxy Z Flip 4, several Itel handsets, a Samsung S9 and a Mobicel R7.
The gang’s crime spree included a series of chilling attacks:
• June 2: A 21-year-old man was ambushed near Esigayweni, threatened with a machete and shocker, and robbed of his Huawei phone and US$60.
• June 12: A 35-year-old woman was cornered near “ten thousand houses” and robbed of US$180 and her Itel phone.
• June 21: A taxi driver was carjacked at Hawkflight, forced out of his Toyota Wish at axe point, and the car later dumped in Tsholotsho.
• July 15: A 27-year-old man was threatened with an axe and knife before losing his Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.
• July 24: A 52-year-old man was struck on the forehead with a small axe and robbed of his satchel and speaker box.
On September 9, detectives pounced on Moyo at Lobengula Street and 6th Avenue as he tried to sell a stolen Samsung cellphone.
“We applaud members of the public for providing information which led to the arrest,” said Inspector Msebele. “We warn criminals that even if they run, police will not rest until they are caught and brought before justice.”
Police have launched a manhunt for Themba Moyo as investigations continue.
