Seven arrested for armed robbery

Clementine Phulu, Sunday News Reporter
POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested seven suspects in connection with a spate of armed robberies, unlawful entry and theft cases which occurred between 2021 and 24 September 2022.

The arrested suspects are Taurai Jirongo (34), Ellias Banda, alias Bongani Sibanda (38), Sunboy Sibanda, alias Eric (37), Gilbert Sibanda (28) and Hamilton Maphosa (50). National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said on Thursday police reacted to a tip off and arrested the suspects at their hideout in Pumula.

The arrest led to the recovery of a machete, knife and screw driver which the suspects used in a robbery case which occurred on 5 June 2022 at a house along Euphobia Road, Newton West in Bulawayo where a 42-inch Samsung television set, a dressed chicken, adapter and cellphone were stolen.

Police also recovered a brown pair of Timberland shoes and a sound bar at Elias Banda’s residence. The shoes were stolen on 29 May 2022 at a house along Volshenk Road, Barham Green, Bulawayo, after the suspects pounced on the complainant before stealing a 32-inch Konka television set, two cellphones, play station, US$80 cash and clothing.

The sound bar was stolen on 6th June 2022 at a house along Enfield Road, Bulawayo where the suspects robbed the complainant of US$2 550, R1 000, car keys, 42-inch television set, sub hoofer, Dell laptop and two cellphones.

“The gang also stole a 65-inch Samsung television on 22 September 2022 at a house along Chopping Road, Barham Green and it was recovered hidden in a bush. The suspects are linked to eleven cases of armed robbery and unlawful entry and theft, which include a case of robbery which occurred in Nyamandlovu where the complainant was robbed of a pistol, and R180 cash.

“The stolen firearm was used to commit an armed robbery in Inyathi where US$900 was stolen and another robbery in Ntabazinduna where an unspecified amount of cash was stolen from a tuck-shop. In another case, which occurred on 16 May 2022, the suspects stole two television sets, two speakers and clothing at a house along Van Roebuck, Barham Green, Bulawayo, while on 6 August 2022 the suspects pounced at a house along Stroud Road, Southwold before stealing a 43-inch television set, an Open View decoder and food stuffs. Between 21 August 2022 and 24 September 2022, the suspects pounced on various houses in Northend and Southwold, Bulawayo, where they stole television sets, clothing, cellphones and food stuffs,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi assured the public that police were going to account for all robbery suspects in the city as they have intensified operations in response to increased cases of armed robberies that have characterised Bulawayo.

“Police have intensified operations targeting armed robbery syndicates in the country. We assure the public that we will account for all robbery suspects and ensure the law takes its course. We are also appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of the suspects’ accomplices who include, Bongani Ncube, Elton Shonga, whose known address is 26 Whitestone Road, Bulawayo and Thabani whose particulars are not known,” he said.