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Robber arrested at sangoma's house
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One of eight suspected armed robbers accused of targeting residents, churches, and businesses in Harare has been arrested while allegedly receiving spiritual assistance from a traditional healer at a house in Glenview 1. This arrest marked the completion of a police operation that has now apprehended all eight suspects linked to a string of armed robberies, including a US$30,000 heist at a company in Workington.
The suspects are facing 12 charges of armed robbery, with cases stretching from July 13, 2024, to October 3, 2024.
Police Confirm Arrests and Recoveries
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests in a statement, providing details of the suspects and the evidence recovered.
"Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police's press statement released on November 4, 2024, on the arrest of Spencer Mapfumo aged 42, Patrick Chibaba alias Mupositori aged 38, Tarwirei Madzudzu alias Mukanya aged 50, Paddington Meki aged 44 and Washington Marunze aged 36 in connection with seven cases of armed robbery, including the US$30,000 robbery at Dinwoo Investments in Workington, Harare, on October 28, 2024," he said.
Three additional suspects were arrested in November:
Sydney Chemhere alias Seedza (42): Arrested on November 11 in Glenview 7. Police recovered eight Emex explosives and three fuse cables during his arrest.
Tinotenda Mabhandi alias Timbobo (38): Arrested at Makomva Shops in Glen View.
Munyaradzi Gadzikwa (36): Arrested on November 13 while allegedly receiving spiritual assistance from a traditional healer in Glenview 1.
High-Stakes Robbery Cases
The suspects are accused of committing several high-profile robberies, including:
July 31, 2024: A church in Budiriro 5B was robbed of US$2,599 cash, a cellphone, and three passports.
August 18, 2024: A house along Chinhamora Street, Ruwa, was robbed of US$2,300 cash.
October 3, 2024: A private security company in Avondale lost US$80 cash, a laptop, seven firearms (including rifles and revolvers), and live ammunition.
Investigations Continue
Police believe the gang was involved in several other robberies across Harare, targeting churches, companies, and residential areas. Commissioner Nyathi stated that investigations are ongoing to establish links to additional cases.
"All in all, the suspects are facing 12 cases of armed robbery. We are working to ensure all evidence is gathered and justice is served," he said.
Public Reaction
The arrests have been praised by the public, particularly the recovery of dangerous weapons and explosives. The case highlights the growing trend of criminal gangs seeking "spiritual protection" as part of their operations.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations progress. Further updates are expected as the police intensify efforts to dismantle armed robbery syndicates in the capital.
The suspects are facing 12 charges of armed robbery, with cases stretching from July 13, 2024, to October 3, 2024.
Police Confirm Arrests and Recoveries
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests in a statement, providing details of the suspects and the evidence recovered.
"Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police's press statement released on November 4, 2024, on the arrest of Spencer Mapfumo aged 42, Patrick Chibaba alias Mupositori aged 38, Tarwirei Madzudzu alias Mukanya aged 50, Paddington Meki aged 44 and Washington Marunze aged 36 in connection with seven cases of armed robbery, including the US$30,000 robbery at Dinwoo Investments in Workington, Harare, on October 28, 2024," he said.
Three additional suspects were arrested in November:
Sydney Chemhere alias Seedza (42): Arrested on November 11 in Glenview 7. Police recovered eight Emex explosives and three fuse cables during his arrest.
Tinotenda Mabhandi alias Timbobo (38): Arrested at Makomva Shops in Glen View.
Munyaradzi Gadzikwa (36): Arrested on November 13 while allegedly receiving spiritual assistance from a traditional healer in Glenview 1.
High-Stakes Robbery Cases
July 31, 2024: A church in Budiriro 5B was robbed of US$2,599 cash, a cellphone, and three passports.
August 18, 2024: A house along Chinhamora Street, Ruwa, was robbed of US$2,300 cash.
October 3, 2024: A private security company in Avondale lost US$80 cash, a laptop, seven firearms (including rifles and revolvers), and live ammunition.
Investigations Continue
Police believe the gang was involved in several other robberies across Harare, targeting churches, companies, and residential areas. Commissioner Nyathi stated that investigations are ongoing to establish links to additional cases.
"All in all, the suspects are facing 12 cases of armed robbery. We are working to ensure all evidence is gathered and justice is served," he said.
Public Reaction
The arrests have been praised by the public, particularly the recovery of dangerous weapons and explosives. The case highlights the growing trend of criminal gangs seeking "spiritual protection" as part of their operations.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations progress. Further updates are expected as the police intensify efforts to dismantle armed robbery syndicates in the capital.
Source - The Herald
