Online Reporter
Peter Matika Senior Reporter
Police in Beitbridge have apprehended eight individuals suspected of involvement in a series of armed robberies that occurred in the border town between June and August this year.
The suspects are alleged to have robbed residents of cash and valuables.
National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests in a statement on X. The individuals detained include Tinashe Nkomo, also known as Sadamu or Jeck (39), Future Moyo (35), Decent Moyo (35), Obey Chiware (38), Wiseman Muleya (30), Tendai Mapira (45), Khumbulani Mabhena (42), and Admire Charumbira (36).
Comm. Nyathi reported that on August 21, police detectives received information linking Future Moyo to a robbery that took place on July 27 at a house in Garikai, Beitbridge, during which ZAR 15,000 and two cellphones were stolen from an airtime vendor.
“Subsequently, Moyo was arrested while selling airtime vouchers at a discounted rate. He implicated other suspects, leading to their arrest. The operation resulted in the recovery of a Girsan pistol loaded with 36 live rounds of ammunition, the suspects’ getaway vehicles—a Honda Fit with registration number AEO 9989 and a Toyota Probox with registration number AGT 7877—as well as airtime vouchers worth US$310,” said Comm. Nyathi.
The suspects are also connected to a robbery at a house in the SDP New Stands area of Beitbridge, where ZAR 4,000 and US$3,000 were stolen, as well as another robbery on July 16 at a shop in the same area, during which ZAR 27,100, US$130, two cellphones, and shoes were taken. Additionally, they are linked to a robbery that occurred on August 13 at Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge, where an airtime vendor was attacked, resulting in the loss of US$1,200, ZAR 2,000, and airtime vouchers valued at US$2,500.
“The suspects are also implicated in another robbery at a house in the New Stands area of Beitbridge, where they allegedly stole ZAR 99,400, US$1,550, and a cellphone,” Comm. Nyathi added.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police commends the public for providing valuable information that led to the suspects’ arrests. The police encourage continued reporting of suspicious criminal activities via the National Complaints number (0242) 703631, via WhatsApp at 0712 800197, or at any nearest police station.
