Six arrested for cigarettes robbery

Crime Reporter

SIX suspected armed robbers who were masquerading as detectives have been arrested on allegations of intercepting a truck along the Harare-Beitbridge highway before stealing 581 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes last Tuesday.

The incident occurred near Gutu turnoff and the robbers were travelling in a Toyota Hilux twin cab.

Police have identified the suspects as Trymore Chimbambo (39), Maxwell Kudzibwe (28), Joe Partson (50), Takudzwa Brian Pawandiwa (33), Samuel Mushambiri (34) and Tatenda Gorombe (49).

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.

“The suspects were arrested for a robbery case which occurred in Masvingo where 581 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes were stolen on November 21, 2023.

“The cigarettes were stolen at Gutu-turn off after the suspects, who were travelling in a Toyota Hilux twin cab, had intercepted an Isuzu rigid truck, which was carrying the cigarettes from Harare to Beitbridge, at the 54 kilometre peg along Masvingo-Beitbridge Road. The suspects had posed as detectives, before handcuffing two occupants in the truck and forcing the driver to drive the truck to Gutu turn off,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said last Thursday, detectives arrested Chimbambo and Kudzibwe at Highglen Shopping Centre in Harare after receiving information which linked them to the robbery case.

The suspects then implicated Partson, Pawandiwa, Mushambiri and Gorombe, leading to their arrests.

The arrest led to the recovery of 430 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes at a house along Stay Field Road in Waterfalls, Harare and at Tilco Industries premises in Chitungwiza.

“Detectives also recovered the suspects’ get-away vehicle, a Toyota Hilux and a Mercedes Benz rigid truck which was used to transport the stolen consignment from Masvingo to Harare,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

Meanwhile, police are appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspects identified as Gift Kajawo of Hopley Zone 2 in Harare, Norest Dipi alias Kabhuru and Tawanda.

Anyone with information should contact the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631 or WhatsApp number on 0712800197 or report at any nearest Police Station.