Robbers caught planning next hit

Crime Reporter

Five notorious bank robbers have been arrested in Kamativi, Matabeleland North, after a thwarted robbery in the town gave police an opportunity to start a chain of arrests.

According to the police, the gang was arrested on Tuesday in connection with a series of five armed robberies in Victoria Falls and Hwange and an attempted robbery at a BancABC branch in Kamativi on Tuesday.

The suspects are Derren Tshuma (25), Proud Gumbo (30), Tamsanqa Moyo (33), Michael Donald Sibanda (26) and Majority Ndlovu (26).

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said on Tuesday police surrounded BancABC branch in Kamativi after receiving information about a planned robbery.

“A gun shot was later heard and three suspects were seen fleeing. Police gave chase leading to the arrest of Derren Tshuma and the recovery of a spent cartridge as well as a national identification card stolen at a garage in Hwange on May 5, 2024.

“Further investigations by the police led to the arrest of Proud Gumbo at a bus stop near Cross Dete along Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road on Wednesday. The arrest led to the recovery of a Browning pistol and the arrest of other suspects, Tamsanqa Moyo, Michael Donald Sibanda and Majority Ndlovu,” he said.

The suspects’ get away cars, a Nissan AD van, registration number, AGN 7534, and a Nissan Sunny vehicle, registration number ACD 5508, were recovered.

The gang is linked to five armed robberies in Victoria Falls and Hwange between December 31, 2022 and June 30 this year, including the robbery of ZB Bank, Victoria Falls, on December 31, 2022 where US$15 964 cash was stolen and another robbery at a service station on January 8 this year where a security guard was stabbed in the back with an okapi knife before cash was stolen.

“The suspects are also clearing a case of robbery which occurred at a bar at Lwendulu Village, Hwange on June 2, 2024 where cash and cellphones were stolen.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police commends the public for providing valuable information which led to the arrest of the suspects,” Comm Nyathi said.