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Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
POLICE in Marondera have arrested 14 suspects in connection with an armed robbery case which occurred at Grasslands Horticulture Centre last week.
The suspects allegedly attacked security guards at the institution and threatened to shoot them with a firearm before stealing a disc plough belonging to the institution.
Godfrey Tatenda Nyapokoto (35), Fungai Matingwina (28), Taurai Chivhanga (45), Erick Matemai (30), Ernmedy Mandizvidza (31), Hillary Mabika (36) and Sikhumbuzo Rinomhota (27) are now in police custody.
The others are Cathrine Denga (30), Charles Michel (27), Norman John (25), Gilbert Muchisei (22), Charles Morris (25), Terrence Hove (23) and Elliot Muzenda (47).
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests in a statement.
“On October 1 2021 three of the suspects who are employees of Grassland Horticulture Centre hatched a plan to rob the institution and connived with eight other suspects to commit the offence.
“The suspects stormed Grassland Horticulture Centre, while armed with a rifle before breaking the window of the guardroom. They threatened two security guards who were on duty while pointing a firearm through the broken window and fired one shot into the guardroom.
“The security guards escaped, leaving the suspects at the premises who stole a four disc plough valued at US$3 000.
Ass Comm Nyathi said investigations by police led to the arrest of one of the suspects who was tasked to sell the disc plough through social media.
“The suspect implicated others leading to the recovery of the disc plough which had been sold in Harare and the arrest of the other suspects.
“A CZ pistol, rifle fitted with an AGS telescope and loaded with four rounds, and two bolt cutters were also recovered from the suspects.
“Meanwhile, police are on the lookout of one of the suspects, Starlin Mhungu, who is on the run.
“Anyone with information on his whereabouts should to contact the nearest police station,” he said.
Online Reporter