News / National
Harare robbery ring busted
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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested five individuals suspected of being behind a series of high-profile armed robberies in Harare, including a major heist at Dinwoo Investments where US$30,000 in cash was stolen, along with other thefts totaling over US$100,000. The arrests follow investigations into crimes committed between July and October 2024.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrests and identified the suspects as Spencer Mapfumo (42), Patrick Chibaba (38), Tarwirei Madzudzu (50), Paddington Meki (44), and Washington Marunze (36). The group is believed to have orchestrated the October 28 robbery at Dinwoo Investments in Harare's Workington area, making off with US$30,000 in cash.
The breakthrough in the case came on October 30 when detectives from the CID Homicide Unit tracked Mapfumo, who was reportedly using part of the stolen money to purchase a Nissan AD Van. The vehicle was intercepted in central Harare, leading to Mapfumo's arrest. Police recovered the van, a firearm, and US$37 in cash, and Mapfumo subsequently implicated his accomplices.
Following Mapfumo's lead, police tracked down Patrick Chibaba at his residence in Eyecourt, Waterfalls. Chibaba attempted to flee, but police officers shot him in the left foot and arrested him. During the raid, officers recovered US$2,020 in cash, a 7.65mm Tokarev pistol with three rounds, and a Relay blank-firing pistol.
A further investigation led to the arrest of Tarwirei Madzudzu at his home in St. Mary's, Chitungwiza. Madzudzu also attempted to escape, prompting police to fire a warning shot. At his residence, police recovered US$740 in cash. Paddington Meki was later apprehended at the intersection of Josiah Tongogara Avenue and Simon Muzenda Street as he was reportedly on his way to Domboshava to meet other suspects.
In another development, police, aided by Chibaba's information, arrested Washington Marunze, recovering a loaded magazine, US$805, and a silver and black bag.
Commissioner Nyathi stated that the arrests had helped solve six armed robbery cases in and around Harare, including a US$4,000 theft from ZAOGA Church in Glen Norah and US$27,273 stolen from Garfunkel at Prince Charles Airport.
In a separate operation, police also arrested Bornwell Mukwasi (32), Clive Mudiwa (25), and Nathan Mudiwa (22) in connection with a burglary at Rhi-Media Holdings on October 29, where computers and accessories worth US$71,710 were stolen. Mukwasi was arrested in central Harare, and further investigations led to the recovery of stolen items, including an iMac monitor and other electronic equipment.
The ZRP has praised the public for providing valuable information that contributed to the successful arrests. Commissioner Nyathi urged continued cooperation with law enforcement agencies, encouraging citizens to report any criminal activities to the National Complaints Desk or the nearest police station.
"The ZRP remains committed to ensuring that armed robbery syndicates are held accountable under the law. The public's collaboration with the police is vital in maintaining safety and security in our communities," said Commissioner Nyathi.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrests and identified the suspects as Spencer Mapfumo (42), Patrick Chibaba (38), Tarwirei Madzudzu (50), Paddington Meki (44), and Washington Marunze (36). The group is believed to have orchestrated the October 28 robbery at Dinwoo Investments in Harare's Workington area, making off with US$30,000 in cash.
The breakthrough in the case came on October 30 when detectives from the CID Homicide Unit tracked Mapfumo, who was reportedly using part of the stolen money to purchase a Nissan AD Van. The vehicle was intercepted in central Harare, leading to Mapfumo's arrest. Police recovered the van, a firearm, and US$37 in cash, and Mapfumo subsequently implicated his accomplices.
Following Mapfumo's lead, police tracked down Patrick Chibaba at his residence in Eyecourt, Waterfalls. Chibaba attempted to flee, but police officers shot him in the left foot and arrested him. During the raid, officers recovered US$2,020 in cash, a 7.65mm Tokarev pistol with three rounds, and a Relay blank-firing pistol.
A further investigation led to the arrest of Tarwirei Madzudzu at his home in St. Mary's, Chitungwiza. Madzudzu also attempted to escape, prompting police to fire a warning shot. At his residence, police recovered US$740 in cash. Paddington Meki was later apprehended at the intersection of Josiah Tongogara Avenue and Simon Muzenda Street as he was reportedly on his way to Domboshava to meet other suspects.
Commissioner Nyathi stated that the arrests had helped solve six armed robbery cases in and around Harare, including a US$4,000 theft from ZAOGA Church in Glen Norah and US$27,273 stolen from Garfunkel at Prince Charles Airport.
In a separate operation, police also arrested Bornwell Mukwasi (32), Clive Mudiwa (25), and Nathan Mudiwa (22) in connection with a burglary at Rhi-Media Holdings on October 29, where computers and accessories worth US$71,710 were stolen. Mukwasi was arrested in central Harare, and further investigations led to the recovery of stolen items, including an iMac monitor and other electronic equipment.
The ZRP has praised the public for providing valuable information that contributed to the successful arrests. Commissioner Nyathi urged continued cooperation with law enforcement agencies, encouraging citizens to report any criminal activities to the National Complaints Desk or the nearest police station.
"The ZRP remains committed to ensuring that armed robbery syndicates are held accountable under the law. The public's collaboration with the police is vital in maintaining safety and security in our communities," said Commissioner Nyathi.
Source - the herald
