Fleeing robbery suspect shot dead

Trust Freddy Herald Correspondent

POLICE on Saturday shot and killed a suspected armed robber, Godfrey Njoromore (48) as a he fled arresting officers in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza.

The incident follows the arrest of Benjamin Chipiri (34) over a robbery on December 2, 2023 at a house in Zengeza 5, Chitungwiza where US$8 164 cash, two laptops, three cellphones, solar lights and a BP testing machine, among other valuables, were stolen.

Chipiri’s statement to police led to the tracking down of Njoromore, who allegedly tried to flee as the net closed in on him.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday said the suspect died in hospital from injuries.

“On January 6, 2024 detectives from CID Homicide acted on received information and tracked Godfrey Njoromore to Nyatsime, Chitungwiza where he was shot on the thigh after trying to evade arrest.

“Subsequently, Godfrey Njoromore was taken to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals where he died upon admission,” Asst Comm Nyathi said. The arrest led to the recovery of a laptop, solar light, BP testing machine and an empty magazine of an FN Browning pistol.

Asst Comm Paul Nyathi commended members of the public for their assistance in providing information leading to the arrest of suspects.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police applauds members of the public for supplying useful information to the police and reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robbery syndicates which involve both local and foreign suspects.”

More than 2 200 robbers were convicted by the courts last year alone while more than 700 more are still undergoing trial as the National Prosecuting Authority and the Zimbabwe Republic Police intensify fight against crime.

Harare and Bulawayo Metropolitan provinces topped the list of convictions with 412 male armed robbers and 2 females having been convicted in Harare while 189 males were convicted in Bulawayo.

Matabeleland North had the least number of convictions with only two having been found guilty of armed robbery while Mashonaland Central came second with just four convictions.