News / National
Cops speak on mistaken identity after arrest of 'armed robber'
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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed concern over a case of mistaken identity following the arrest of Spencer Mapfumo, a 42-year-old suspected armed robber involved in multiple robberies, including a US$30,000 heist at a company in Workington, Harare.
The confusion has led to an innocent individual, who shares the same name, facing unwarranted attacks on social media. Police have stepped in to clear the air and released photos of both the arrested suspect and the wrongly accused individual to prevent further harm.
In a statement, National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized that the Spencer Mapfumo under attack online is not among the eight suspects arrested in connection with 12 robbery cases targeting residents, churches, and businesses in Harare.
"The police have noted that the arrest of Spencer Mapfumo has led to a disturbing case of mistaken identity, with an innocent person bearing the same name facing attacks on social media," said Commissioner Nyathi.
"We want to set the record straight and clarify that Spencer Mapfumo who was arrested for robbery is not the same individual who is being unfairly targeted online."
Call for Social Media Responsibility
Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to verify information before spreading it online to avoid causing harm to innocent people.
"To avoid further confusion and harm, we urge social media users to verify information before sharing. Attached are photos of the suspect, Spencer Mapfumo, and the individual who is being harassed on social media."
Robbery Charges Against the Suspect
The arrested Spencer Mapfumo is part of a gang of eight suspected armed robbers linked to a string of crimes, including the US$30,000 robbery in Workington. The suspects are currently facing 12 charges of robbery.
The ZRP continues to call for public cooperation in the fight against crime while urging restraint and caution in the use of social media platforms. The wrongful harassment of innocent individuals, they stressed, undermines the principles of fairness and justice.
The confusion has led to an innocent individual, who shares the same name, facing unwarranted attacks on social media. Police have stepped in to clear the air and released photos of both the arrested suspect and the wrongly accused individual to prevent further harm.
In a statement, National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized that the Spencer Mapfumo under attack online is not among the eight suspects arrested in connection with 12 robbery cases targeting residents, churches, and businesses in Harare.
"The police have noted that the arrest of Spencer Mapfumo has led to a disturbing case of mistaken identity, with an innocent person bearing the same name facing attacks on social media," said Commissioner Nyathi.
"We want to set the record straight and clarify that Spencer Mapfumo who was arrested for robbery is not the same individual who is being unfairly targeted online."
Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to verify information before spreading it online to avoid causing harm to innocent people.
"To avoid further confusion and harm, we urge social media users to verify information before sharing. Attached are photos of the suspect, Spencer Mapfumo, and the individual who is being harassed on social media."
Robbery Charges Against the Suspect
The arrested Spencer Mapfumo is part of a gang of eight suspected armed robbers linked to a string of crimes, including the US$30,000 robbery in Workington. The suspects are currently facing 12 charges of robbery.
The ZRP continues to call for public cooperation in the fight against crime while urging restraint and caution in the use of social media platforms. The wrongful harassment of innocent individuals, they stressed, undermines the principles of fairness and justice.
Source - The Herald
