Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu Online Reporter
POLICE have cracked two dangerous crime syndicates that terrorised Harare, Domboshava, Mt Darwin, Mvurwi and Dotito with a trail of rape, armed robbery and even murder.
Six suspects have been arrested in two separate cases. The first bust happened on 19 July when detectives from CID Homicide pounced on Edson Murambidzi (33) and Takudzwa Makanha (24) at Katsande Homestead in Musungate Village, Juru.
The duo was linked to a violent robbery at a financial service provider in Kuwadzana 2 Shopping Centre, where they allegedly blasted safes with explosives and held security guards at gunpoint before fleeing with US$9 000.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the suspects led police to a major breakthrough.
“A .38 Special revolver with five live rounds, two stolen Wi-Fi routers from an Econet shop in Mvurwi and a torch were recovered. The suspects also implicated eight more suspects who are still at large,” he said.
Meanwhile, three more suspects — Jameson Jackson (28), Wickson Simon (28) and Blessing Mapfuwa (24) — were arrested in Mungate Village, Domboshava in connection with a sinister social media scam that lured job seekers into a trap.
“They posed as employers offering shopkeeper jobs, but would lure unsuspecting women to secluded areas where they robbed and raped them. Recovered items include nine women’s IDs, six smartphones, wallets, bags full of clothes, sanitary pads, a kitchen knife and a fake revolver used to threaten victims,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The trio is linked to at least three robbery and rape cases in Hatcliffe and nearby areas.
Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to remain vigilant.
“We urge members of the public to verify the authenticity of job offers on social media. Criminals are taking advantage of desperate job seekers and turning their hope into horror,” he warned.
Police are still hunting for more suspects connected to both cases.
