Online ReporterPrisca Manyiwa-Masuku
A GANG of notorious armed robbers has been nabbed in Masvingo after committing a spate of crimes in and around the Midlands Province.
The suspects are Rhinos Takawira (43), of Chivi, Tinashe Marimo (22), of Murewa, and Praise Gudlanga (30), of Mutare.
Speaking to H-Metro, Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the arrest.
“A notorious armed robbery gang, which came to (the spotlight) after robbing two motor vehicles in Mvuma, in one night, has been accounted for in a ‘smart’ arrest in Masvingo.
“The gang comprised three men armed with iron bars and axes,” said Insp Mahoko.
The police have also recovered two pistols, a safe, cellphones, three stolen motor vehicles and US$1 500 cash from the robbers.
The gang is said to have recently robbed a 60-year-old woman of her Toyota Hilux in Mvuma.
In the process, they also robbed a businessman in Mvuma of his car.
The vehicle was later found dumped by the roadside.
“On 28 June 2022, they robbed a Mvuma businessman of US$2 000 and a Honda Fit motor vehicle while a Toyota double cab motor vehicle was robbed from a woman.
“After the Mvuma incidents, they drove the twin cab vehicle to a fuel filling station in Mberengwa, on 29 June, 2022.
“They fired one shot from a pistol and robbed the filling station, getting away with a safe containing US$11 000 and a Toyota Wish motor vehicle.
“They left the twin cab stolen from Mvuma at the filling station,” said Insp Mahoko.
The gang was finally nabbed while trying to dump a Toyota Wish, after committing another robbery in Masvingo.
“At about 1300hrs on 29 June 2022, alert detectives in Masvingo noticed the gang while it was in the process of abandoning the stolen Toyota Wish to board a Zupco bus.
“All three were swiftly arrested and interviews that followed unravelled a plethora of robbery cases committed mostly in Masvingo and the Midlands Province.
“The arrested suspects are currently assisting investigations while being held in police custody in Masvingo,” said Insp Mahoko.
