Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A FEARSOME gang of machete wielding robbers that terrorised Bulawayo suburbs for months has finally been nailed by police with one of the suspects accused of being the mastermind behind a cellphone theft syndicate.
The suspects, including a 46 year old second hand phone dealer known as SaMishy, were arrested in connection with over 20 violent robberies committed between December 2024 and May 2025.
Police identified the ringleader as Kurauone Nkomo alias SaMishy of Makokoba who allegedly operated from Fusini Shops and is believed to have bought the loot mostly stolen cellphones from his young thugs.
The other suspects were named as Tafadzwa Chimusaru aged 30 Prince Ngulube aged 18 Leeroy Sibanda aged 19 Hardlife Sibanda aged 27 Brian Ndlovu aged 23 and Nqobile Terrence Ngwenya. Most of them are from Mzilikazi and Sauerstown.
The gang prowled the suburbs of Sauerstown Queenspark Khumalo Entumbane and Hillside using machetes and axes to ambush pedestrians especially in bushy and isolated spots.
“They would threaten victims with weapons and rob them of their cellphones” said Inspector Nomalanga Msebele the Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson.
After tip offs from vigilant members of the public detectives swooped in and arrested the suspects who were then positively identified by several victims from police reports filed across different stations.
“We appreciate the level of participation in the fight against crime by members of the public” said Insp Msebele. “It creates a difficult environment for criminals to thrive.”
She also issued a warning to residents
“We urge the community to avoid using bushy paths especially when walking alone during the day or late hours.”
Police say investigations are ongoing and more robbery cases could be linked to the gang.
Blessing Chizhande