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Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
Five suspected armed robbers linked to the US$30 000 theft from Dinwoo Investments and three others accused of stealing computers and accessories valued at US$71 710 from Rhi-Media Holdings in Harare, have been arrested.
They are also implicated in several armed robberies in Harare executed between July and October 2024.
These robberies include the theft of over US$4 000 from ZAOGA Church in Glen Norah A and nearly US$30 000 from Garfunkel at Prince Charles Airport in Mt Hampden.
In a statement this week, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Spencer Mapfumo (42), Patrick Chibaba alias Mupositori (38), Tarwirei Madzudzu alias Mukanya (50), Paddington Meki (44) and Washington Marunze (36) in connection with a case of robbery which occurred on 28th October 2024 at Dinwoo Investments, Workington, Harare where US$30 000 cash was stolen,” Comm Nyathi said.
“On 30th October 2024, detectives from CID Homicide Harare received information which linked Spencer Mapfumo to the offence. The detectives tracked the suspect driving a Nissan AD Van with no registration plates and arrested him along Cameroon Street, Harare near Jumbo Wholesalers.”
Comm Nyathi said investigations established that Spencer Mapfumo had bought a Nissan AD Van using his share of the loot.
The detectives recovered the vehicle, a firearm and US$37 cash. Mapfumo reportedly implicated Chibaba, Madzudzu, Meki and Marunze as his accomplices.
“He led the detectives to Patrick Chibaba’s residence in Eyecourt, Waterfalls in Harare. On seeing that he was surrounded, Chibaba tried to escape and he was shot on the left foot leading to his arrest.
“The detectives recovered US$2 020 cash, a black bag containing a 7.65 mm Tokarev pistol loaded with three rounds and a Relay blank Riyreroy pistol from the suspect.”
The detectives, Comm Nyathi said, also managed to arrest Madzudzu at his residence in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza after they fired a warning shot when he tried to run away.
Subsequently, the detectives recovered US$740 cash which was in the suspect’s house.
On October 31, Comm Nyathi said the detectives acted on received information and tracked Meki to the intersection of Josiah Tongogara Avenue and Simon Muzenda Street where he was intercepted leading to his arrest.
“The suspect was travelling in a red Honda Fit, vehicle registration number AFV 0438, to Domboshava where he intended to meet with his accomplices.
“Patrick Chibaba also assisted the detectives in luring Washington Marunze to Julias Nyerere Street, Harare where he was subsequently arrested. The detectives recovered a magazine loaded with a 7.65mm rounds, US$805 cash and a small silver and black bag from the suspect,” he added.
Comm Nyathi also revealed that the arrest of the five suspects was also clearing six armed robbery cases which occurred in and around Harare from July 2024 to October 2024.
“Some of these cases include an armed robbery case which occurred on August 20th, 2024 at around 00:01 hours at ZAOGA Church, Glenorah A, Harare where US$4 000, £130, ZAR 5 610, BWP 120.00 and ZWG559 cash was stolen.
“In another armed robbery which occurred at Garfunkel, Prince Charles Airport, Mt Hampden, Harare on October 07th 2024, the suspects stole an expandable button stick and US$27 273 cash.”
Comm Nyathi also confirmed the arrest of Bornwell Mukwasi (32), Clive Mudiwa (25) and Nathan Mudiwa (22) in connection with a case of robbery which occurred at Rhi-Media Holdings, Harare on October 29, where computers and accessories valued at US$71 710 were stolen.
“On October 30 2024, detectives from CID Homicide Harare acted on received information and arrested Bornwell Mukwasi in Harare Central Business District.
“The suspect implicated Clive Mudiwa and Nathan Mudiwa as his accomplices,” he said.
Comm Nyathi said investigations by the detectives also established that Bornwell Mukwasi had sent some of the loot to Beitbridge via a bus.
The police reportedly intercepted the bus and recovered three subwoofer speakers, an IMac monitor, a Dell laptop and a power cable.
On October 31, Clive Mudiwa and Nathan Mudiwa were also arrested in Budiriro, Harare in connection with this case.
“The arrest of the two suspects led to the recovery of one speaker, a monarch suitcase, a bolt cutter, a machete, 11 mic transmitters, two body packs, 50 microphone cables, three studio monitors, an IMac pro monitor, two Canon CD5rs printers and various accessories all valued at US$65 000.”
Comm Nyathi also commended the public for supplying positive information which assisted the police in accounting for armed robbery suspects throughout the country.
“The public is urged to continue forwarding information regarding criminal activities to the National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197 or contact any nearest Police Station.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will ensure that the law takes its course on all armed robbery syndicates without fear or favour.”
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