Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
ONE of Bulawayo’s most wanted armed robbers has been caught after terrorising bars and shops across the city in a violent robbery spree that saw patrons and staff thrown to the floor at gunpoint.
Nhlanhla Ncube (36) of Old Magwegwe is now behind bars after police tracked him down following a public tip-off. He is accused of teaming up with three other suspects to carry out a string of robberies in Tshabalala, Nketa and Pumula.
“The accused person was arrested at a certain house after we received information from the public. He admitted to the robberies and investigations are ongoing,” said Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
Ncube’s accomplices — Learmore Sibanda (23) and Farai Sibanda (40), both of Cowdray Park, along with another man known only as Prosper — are still on the run.
In one daring raid on March 2 this year, the gang stormed a Sports Bar in Tshabalala around 10.50 PM. Armed with pistols and knives, they ordered everyone to lie down and robbed the bartender of US$1 000 and two cellphones.
“They even took bottles of whiskey, including marula, Two Keys and Best, before fleeing the scene,” said Insp Msebele. “The total value of goods stolen was US$1 130.”
Just hours later, they struck again. This time, at a tavern in Nketa 7.
“They forced everyone down, captured the female cashier and demanded keys to the safe. She didn’t have them, but they ransacked the place until they found them and emptied the strong room,” said Insp Msebele.
The robbers also looted patrons, taking phones and money before vanishing into the night. Losses at the Nketa hit were valued at US$981.
Less than two weeks later, the gang hit a general dealer shop at Pumula Old shops. They held a 28-year-old shop assistant at gunpoint and stole all the money in the till, totalling US$190.
Police say the breakthrough came after Ncube was cornered and arrested at a house in Bulawayo. A search of his home turned up a shocking cache of weapons.
“We recovered a tablet, machetes, a sword knife, a blank firing gun, worksuits, a pick head and two small axes,” said the provincial police spokesperson.
Total value of stolen goods from all incidents is pegged at US$2 301, none of which has been recovered so far.
“We thank the public for assisting in this arrest,” said Insp Msebele. “We urge anyone with information about the whereabouts of the remaining suspects to come forward.”
