Cops shoot rape, robbery gang leader

POLICE have shot and captured a man suspected to be the ringleader of a gang of rapist robbers who are allegedly behind at least 200 crimes committed over two years across the country.

Sibangilize Nyathi was shot at an inyanga's homestead as he attempted to flee from the police on Sunday in Ntabazinduna. The inyanga, sources said, had allegedly been giving the gang muti to evade arrest during their reign of terror.

Detectives recovered a pistol and a Toyota Hilux pick-up which was allegedly bought using proceeds from armed robberies.

Nyathi is said to be at a Bulawayo Hospital where his condition is not known. He allegedly led Ntandoyenkosi Sidumbu (23) and Bongeni Tshuma (28) both of Msilahobe Village, Chief Malisa, Silobela, Kelvin Masuku (18) and Lameck Busiso Masuku Moyo (30) of Somabhula Wida Farm Plot 8, in committing gang rapes and armed robberies across the country.

Midlands Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko yesterday said the suspected gang leader was holed up at the inyanga's home. "Yes Nyathi, the alleged mastermind of the group of criminals, four of whom were arrested last week, was shot and injured before he was arrested over the weekend in Ntabazinduna. He is said to have been hiding at his alleged inyanga's homestead. Police investigations are continuing," said Insp Goko.