Police bust Harare-Domboshava robbery, rape syndicates

Police pursued the suspects and apprehended them about two kilometres away from the crime scene, along the same road

Bongani Ndlovu, Online Reporter

POLICE have arrested six suspects linked to a spate of armed robberies, rape, and murder cases committed in Harare, Mt Darwin, Mvurwi, Dotito and Domboshava.

In a statement, National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Edson Murambidzi (33) and Takudzwa Makanha (24), who are believed to be behind at least three armed robbery cases and a murder.

The duo was tracked down and arrested on 19 July at Katsande Homestead in Musungate Village, Juru, by CID Homicide detectives acting on a tip-off.

“The suspects were linked to a robbery involving a financial service provider at Kuwadzana 2 Shopping Centre in Harare, where they allegedly used pistols and explosives to attack security guards and blast open safes, getting away with US$9,000 in cash,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

He said the pair also led investigators to the recovery of a 38 Special revolver loaded with five live rounds, two Wi-Fi routers stolen from an Econet shop in Mvurwi and a torch.

Commissioner Nyathi said the pair also implicated eight more suspects who are still at large.

In a separate case, three suspects – Jameson Jackson (28), Wickson Simon (28), and Blessing Mapfuwa (24) – were arrested in Mungate Village, Domboshava, for allegedly luring women through fake job offers posted on social media.

“The suspects would invite women under the guise of offering shopkeeper jobs before robbing them and raping them in secluded areas. Detectives recovered nine women’s identity documents, six smartphones, ladies’ wallets, two bags containing women’s clothes, sanitary pads, a kitchen knife, and a revolver-shaped weapon used to threaten victims,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

He said the trio is linked to at least three robbery and rape cases in Hatcliffe and surrounding areas.

Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to be cautious when responding to job offers on social media.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that members of the public should exercise caution when responding to job offers on social media platforms. We urge the public to verify the authenticity of the offers before responding to avoid falling victim to criminals,” he said.