Police hunt for robber who escaped during shoot out

Crime Reporter

Police have launched a manhunt for suspected robber Simelweyinkosi Dube (28) who escaped on Tuesday during a gunfight in Bulawayo where two police detectives and Dube’s girlfriend were injured after three other suspects had been arrested on the street or in their homes, in one case after another shoot out.

Dube had been located at the house of his girlfriend, Siwinile Ndlovu, in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo but managed to escape during the shoot out by using Ms Ndlovu as a shield. Detective Assistant Inspector Richard Charamba (47) and Detective Constable Albert Madziva (41) along with Ms Ndlovu, were injured.

The three are still admitted at Mpilo Hospital. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that the three suspects arrested during the shoot out were Alex Cabangani Moyo aged 37, Vusumuzi Moyo aged 27 and Mlungusi Sibanda aged 44.

The operation against the gang of four was after an armed robbery at Insindi Ranch, Gwanda, on Sunday where three family members were attacked before US$7 800 cash, jewellery worth US$200, a Bulawayo Agricultural Show Society trophy, 15X9mm live ammunition, an FN 9mm Pistol loaded with 13 rounds, a Cadix 0.38 revolver and an empty magazine were stolen.

Asst Comm Nyathi said on Monday, detectives from CID Homicide arrested Sibanda in Bulawayo city centre, along Jason Moyo Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues, after receiving information which linked him to the robbery.

Sibanda implicated Cabangani Moyo leading to his arrest in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo on Tuesday and the recovery of two pellet guns, a 9mm Pak Retay Mod 92 firearm with five rounds and the Bulawayo Agricultural Show Society trophy. Cabangani Moyo implicated Vusumuzi Moyo, leading to his arrest at a house in Nketa 9, Bulawayo, this time after a shoot out.

Cabangani Moyo then implicated Dube (28) and led detectives to Dube’s girlfriend, Siwinile Ndlovu, in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo..

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is still appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Simelweyinkosi Dube whose known residential address is 5865 Emganwini, Bulawayo.

“Anyone with information should contact National Complaints Desk on (024) 2703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest police station,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

He reiterated and warned robbery gangs that there was no going back in the fight against crime.

He said any form of confrontation or resistance will be met with appropriate response.