News / Local
6 arrested over 14 armed robberies
9 hrs ago |
259 Views
Police have arrested six suspected armed robbers believed to be behind a wave of violent attacks targeting businesses, lodges, service stations and churchgoers in Beitbridge and several other parts of Zimbabwe.
The suspects have been linked to at least 14 robbery cases allegedly committed between March and September 2026, during which victims were threatened with weapons and robbed of cash, mobile phones, laptops and other valuables.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Beitbridge arrested the six following intelligence suggesting that the group was preparing to carry out further robberies in the border town.
The suspects have been identified as Clatton Dube, 36; Tapiwa Trymore Moyo, 38, also known as Kudakwashe Mudzingwa or Gweja; Philimon Bernard Dambwara, 34; Nyasha Muparira, 45; Jameson Chikozho, 25; and Stanley Shumba, 22.
CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the arrests, describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police has made a significant breakthrough in investigations into a series of violent armed robberies targeting members of the public and business premises in Beitbridge and surrounding areas," she said.
Muteweri said the operation had resulted in the recovery of stolen property and weapons allegedly used during the robberies.
She also disclosed that one of the accused had received a seven-year prison sentence, although further details about the conviction were not provided.
According to police, the suspects allegedly carried out coordinated attacks on service stations, lodges, private residences, commercial establishments and a medical facility.
One of the most disturbing incidents occurred on April 25, when armed men allegedly stormed a church in Mashavire, Beitbridge, while congregants were attending a religious service.
The suspects reportedly ordered worshippers to lie on the floor before robbing three congregants of cash, mobile phones and a laptop.
The attack disrupted the church service and exposed worshippers to threats of violence.
In another incident on May 20, the gang allegedly forced its way into a lodge room occupied by a guest and stole US$2,710, R18,700 and a cellphone.
Investigators believe the suspects extended their operations beyond Beitbridge, targeting victims in Masvingo, Mwenezi and Gutu.
In one Masvingo robbery, the suspects allegedly posed as legitimate customers seeking foreign currency before luring an informal currency trader to an isolated location.
Once there, they reportedly threatened the trader and robbed him of R55,000 and a mobile phone.
Police have also linked the suspects to robbery cases in Harare's Kuwadzana, Snake Park and White House areas, as well as incidents in Gweru and Murambinda.
The geographical spread of the alleged offences suggests that the group may have travelled between towns to identify targets and carry out robberies.
The breakthrough came after detectives received information that the suspects were planning additional attacks in Beitbridge.
Acting on the intelligence, officers tracked the group to Mfelandawonye, where the six were apprehended.
Subsequent questioning led investigators to recover two Blow P29 air pistols and ammunition believed to be connected to the alleged crimes.
Police are continuing investigations into the suspects' activities and their possible involvement in other unresolved robbery cases.
Muteweri praised members of the public for providing information that assisted detectives in tracking down the suspects.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police commends members of the public for their concerted efforts in the fight against crime," she said.
She reaffirmed the police's commitment to intelligence-driven operations and cooperation with communities in combating organised criminal activity.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police remains committed to disrupting criminal networks through intelligence-led operations, thorough investigations and effective collaboration with communities," Muteweri added.
The arrests represent a major development in investigations into the robbery spree that had affected businesses and residents across several towns.
The six suspects remain subject to the applicable criminal justice processes, and the allegations against those not yet convicted must still be established in court.
The suspects have been linked to at least 14 robbery cases allegedly committed between March and September 2026, during which victims were threatened with weapons and robbed of cash, mobile phones, laptops and other valuables.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Beitbridge arrested the six following intelligence suggesting that the group was preparing to carry out further robberies in the border town.
The suspects have been identified as Clatton Dube, 36; Tapiwa Trymore Moyo, 38, also known as Kudakwashe Mudzingwa or Gweja; Philimon Bernard Dambwara, 34; Nyasha Muparira, 45; Jameson Chikozho, 25; and Stanley Shumba, 22.
CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri confirmed the arrests, describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police has made a significant breakthrough in investigations into a series of violent armed robberies targeting members of the public and business premises in Beitbridge and surrounding areas," she said.
Muteweri said the operation had resulted in the recovery of stolen property and weapons allegedly used during the robberies.
She also disclosed that one of the accused had received a seven-year prison sentence, although further details about the conviction were not provided.
According to police, the suspects allegedly carried out coordinated attacks on service stations, lodges, private residences, commercial establishments and a medical facility.
One of the most disturbing incidents occurred on April 25, when armed men allegedly stormed a church in Mashavire, Beitbridge, while congregants were attending a religious service.
The suspects reportedly ordered worshippers to lie on the floor before robbing three congregants of cash, mobile phones and a laptop.
The attack disrupted the church service and exposed worshippers to threats of violence.
In another incident on May 20, the gang allegedly forced its way into a lodge room occupied by a guest and stole US$2,710, R18,700 and a cellphone.
Investigators believe the suspects extended their operations beyond Beitbridge, targeting victims in Masvingo, Mwenezi and Gutu.
Once there, they reportedly threatened the trader and robbed him of R55,000 and a mobile phone.
Police have also linked the suspects to robbery cases in Harare's Kuwadzana, Snake Park and White House areas, as well as incidents in Gweru and Murambinda.
The geographical spread of the alleged offences suggests that the group may have travelled between towns to identify targets and carry out robberies.
The breakthrough came after detectives received information that the suspects were planning additional attacks in Beitbridge.
Acting on the intelligence, officers tracked the group to Mfelandawonye, where the six were apprehended.
Subsequent questioning led investigators to recover two Blow P29 air pistols and ammunition believed to be connected to the alleged crimes.
Police are continuing investigations into the suspects' activities and their possible involvement in other unresolved robbery cases.
Muteweri praised members of the public for providing information that assisted detectives in tracking down the suspects.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police commends members of the public for their concerted efforts in the fight against crime," she said.
She reaffirmed the police's commitment to intelligence-driven operations and cooperation with communities in combating organised criminal activity.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police remains committed to disrupting criminal networks through intelligence-led operations, thorough investigations and effective collaboration with communities," Muteweri added.
The arrests represent a major development in investigations into the robbery spree that had affected businesses and residents across several towns.
The six suspects remain subject to the applicable criminal justice processes, and the allegations against those not yet convicted must still be established in court.
Source - The Herald
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
