Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
A THREE-MEMBER gang notorious for its trail of terror across Chipinge, Chimanimani, and Buhera districts has finally been arrested by the law enforcement agents.
The notorious gang had been wreaking havoc in the region, committing a string of armed robberies and unlawful entry cases, leaving residents living in fear.
The suspects – Sam Zenda Makudo, alias Chihomu-homu or Tafadzwa Mapaike (22), Nicholas Mukaro (27) all of Masvingo, and Philip Matutu (31) of Zvishavane – had their illicit operations brought to an abrupt halt last week when a police crack team swooped on them.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest, adding that the three suspects have since been charged with four counts of armed robbery and 48 counts of unlawful entry.
He added that the suspects stole goods valued at US$10 336, following which a significant portion of the stolen property, valued at US$4 535, was recovered in their possession.
“On January 21, 2025 at around 7pm, along a footpath at Gaza ‘E’ Location, Chipinge – Makudo and Mukaro met Blessing Maphosa, and demanded cash while wielding an okapi knife and iron bar. Maphosa had no cash and handed them a cellphone.
“On January 24, Matutu and the other accomplice only known as Wasu, who is still at large, approached Jonson Vuvha at Chiutani Village and broke the door while he was inside. They demanded cash while wielding an axe and machete. Vuvha handed them US$5 and a 24-volt battery, 32-inch television set and a brown jacket before they disappeared into the darkness.
“On July 2, Matutu and Wasu approached Ngoni Muzunza’s homestead and broke the kitchen door to gain entry into where the complainant was sleeping. They dragged her to the main house, threatening to rape and kill her. They demanded cash and took various groceries and a bicycle.
“The following day on July 3, Matutu again approached Muzunza’s homestead and broke the kitchen door. He dragged her to the main house, threatening to rape and kill her. He covered the complainant with blankets and clothes, set a fire on top of them while covering the complainant. He took US$15 and two cellphones, and vanished from the scene,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka revealed that the three suspects primarily targeted electronic gadgets, including laptops, cellphones, and televisions, in addition to groceries.
Furthermore, he disclosed that the trio is facing similar charges in Masvingo Province, where they allegedly committed offences in Nyika, Bikita, Mashava, and Masvingo, indicating a widespread crime spree that spanned multiple provinces.
“On July 7 at around 8am, Chipinge Urban Police crack team launched an investigation and arrested the three accused persons leading to the recovery of some of the stolen property. Total value of stolen property is US$10 363 and property worth US$4 535 was recovered,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
