Armed robbers nabbed: relatives aiding criminals with victims’ information

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By Elvis Dumba
Chinhoyi – Police have warned the public, especially relatives of criminals on supplying information on possible targets for tokens from robbers.
Zimbabwe Republic Police National Spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi gave the warning after police in Chinhoyi had arrested seven suspects for rape, armed robbery, unlawful entry, and theft cases that occurred in Chinhoyi, Kadoma, and Mhangura between 10 and 24 January 2023. Two suspects are still at large.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Prince Dube (23), Maxwell Karoterote (28), Dennis Tshuma (24), Lloyd Makiwa (28), Maxwell Arozho Adamson Sikanyika (36), Brian Sibanda (32), Tinashe Gandawa (27) and Brian Bhamu (27) in connection with five cases of armed robbery, rape, unlawful entry and theft which occurred in Chinhoyi, Kadoma, and Mhangura between 10th January 2023 and 24th January 2023,” he said
Senior Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said the gang was nabbed on the 23rd January 2023,  after detectives in Chinhoyi received information that the suspects were seen sharing some groceries stolen at Abundance Grace Shop, Avelone Park Shopping Centre, Chinhoyi on 23rd January 2023 at around 0100 hours.
Groceries ranging from several cartons of cooking oil, washing powder, and an HP Pro-book Laptop were recovered
“Further investigations by the police led to the recovery of the suspects’ getaway vehicle, a Honda Fit vehicle, registration number AFS 9184, a sword, two machetes, two Colombian knives, seven cellphones, a pellet gun, one set of silver pots, two vehicle wheels, a 32-inch Hisense television, and a 12 volts battery.”
Senior Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said the suspects were linked to cases of rape and robbery in which some groceries, US$35, and three cellphones were stolen from a couple before the wife was raped on 10th January 2023 at a house in St Ives, Chinhoyi.
In another case which occurred on 14th January 2023, the suspects pounced at a house at Golden Kopje, Chinhoyi where they attacked four complainants with machetes before stealing US$500 cash, a cellphone, and 10 grammes of gold amalgam.
On 16th January 2023, the suspects pounced at a homestead at Ngoroma Village, Kaneje, Mhangura where they attacked a man and his two wives with a machete before stealing a Nissan Note vehicle, US$1000 cash, three cellphones, a bag, Sky-fly sewing machine, various shoes, and clothes.
Similarly, on 18th January 2023, the suspects pounced at a couple’s house at Plot B Lantegross Farm, Eiffel Flats, Kadoma where they stole a Toyota Runx vehicle, US$500, BWP 600, ZAR 500, two cellphones, and Hisense 32 inch television.
The police established that the suspects recruited informers of close relatives for their targets who would supply information on the current financial status of the victims and then pounce on them.
“The Police warn the public, especially victims’ relatives against supplying information to criminals for rewards.
We are appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of the two outstanding suspects identified as Brian Bhamu alias Blaka/Biggie (27) and Tafadzwa alias T-One. Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station or Whatsapp 0712800197 or contact National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631″ Snr Ass Commissioner Nyathi said.