Online ReporterMathew Masinge
NATIONAL police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner, Paul Nyathi, has said they will not stop fighting armed robbery syndicates, including company employees, who leak information to criminals.
This follows yesterday’s swift response in apprehending three suspects in connection with the How Mine gold heist in Bulawayo.
The heist took place on Tuesday morning, at the 21km peg along the Bulawayo-How Mine Road, where 11.6 kgs of gold, en-route to Fidelity Printers, was stolen by 13 suspects.
The three suspects arrested yesterday have been identified as Antony Moyo (39) Ernest Mutandwa, (30) and Wilson Mutandwa(24).
The other 10 are still at large.
Moyo was the first to be arrested and he then implicated the Mutandwa brothers, Wilson and Ernest.
Ernest Mutandwa was arrested in Beitbridge while attempting to flee to South Africa.
Other suspects of the 13-member gang include Abraham Vumbunu, Elijah Vumbunu, Israel Zulu, Diva (no further particulars known) and six who are yet to be named.
In a statement, Ass Comm Nyathi confirmed that police reacted to a tip-off after some of the stolen items were abandoned at a house under construction.
“Police confirm the arrest of the three in connection with an armed robbery case which occurred on October 4.
“Police received information that some of the stolen items were abandoned at a house under construction along Folly Road, West Summerton, Bulawayo. “Detectives reacted to the report and recovered car keys, 3x9mm spent cartridges, a black glove, a 303-rifle loaded with eight live rounds and three empty metal boxes,” he said.
He said further investigations were underway.
“Further investigations by the Police established that the South African registered Nissan NP 300 single cab vehicle, registration number HR3OXJGP, which was abandoned by the suspects at the scene, belongs to Ximba Nkosilathi, also known as Tonderai Vumbunu, and was at times seen being driven by Antony Moyo,” said Ass Comm Nyathi,
The police are appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of suspects on the run.
Mathew Masinge