Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
POLICE in Mutare have arrested three suspects in connection with a series of theft, unlawful entry and robbery cases involving diesel engines, generators, and other mining equipment, following a successful intelligence-led operation that also led to the recovery of stolen property.
Confirming the arrests, acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said the suspects were apprehended on December 24, at Mutare Teachers’ College after investigations linked them to multiple crime scenes in Mutare and Penhalonga.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested three accused persons in connection with theft, unlawful entry and robbery cases after a report was made regarding the theft of diesel engines and other equipment in Mutare,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The accused were identified as Vincent Simoyi (22) and Takunda Makande (19), both of Destiny, Dangamvura, Mutare, and Edwin Hunguru (35), of Zimta, Mutare.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said investigations established that on December 22, at around 11pm, the three men unlawfully broke into a Chikanga Phase 2 house, and stole a red Changfa diesel engine that had been secured in a wooden cabin.
“The engine belonged to Mr Freeman Matimba, and it was later established that the suspects moved on to commit another theft the same night,” he said, adding that the three proceeded to Weirmouth, where they stole a green Eco diesel engine and a three-phase AC synchronous generator engine that had been placed on the veranda.
The stolen equipment belonged to Mr Cleopas Paradzai.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the suspects used a Toyota Hiace vehicle, whose registration number is still unknown, to transport the stolen property from Mutare to Tsvingwe, Penhalonga, where they sold it to a local buyer.
“On December 24, police intelligence in Penhalonga received information from an informer that a certain Allen Jordan, of Tsvingwe was in possession of the stolen property. Police details proceeded to the suspect’s mining claim, where the stolen engines were recovered and placed under police guard,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Jordan (37) was interviewed by police and subsequently led detectives to the arrest of the three suspects at Mutare Teachers’ College.
Police said he is assisting with investigations.
“Further interviews with the accused yielded more revelations, as the suspects confessed to their involvement in a robbery case that occurred at Imbeza, Claim G418, Penhalonga,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He also said that during that robbery, the trio allegedly stole a compressor and jackhammer belonging to Mr Tadzingwa Kabanda, of Redwing Mine, using force to execute the crime.
“The three men admitted to having committed the robbery at Imbeza mining claim, where a compressor and jackhammer were stolen by means of robbery,” he said.
The total value of property stolen in the series of crimes is US$4 685, and only property worth US$2 500 has since been recovered.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka commended the role played by police intelligence and members of the public in the recovery of the stolen property, saying cooperation was key in combating crime.
“This arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of police intelligence and the importance of information from the public. We urge members of the public to continue working with the police by reporting crime and suspicious activities,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka warned members of the public against buying suspected stolen goods, saying such actions expose buyers to criminal charges.
“We strongly caution the public against purchasing property whose source is questionable. Buyers of stolen property will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
