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8 arrested in connection with armed robberies across Bulawayo

by Staff reporter
2 hrs ago | Views
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of eight individuals linked to a series of armed robbery incidents that have plagued Bulawayo between February 19, 2024, and November 17, 2024. The suspects, aged between 24 and 51, are believed to have targeted service stations, business premises, and residential areas, stealing cash, cellphones, and other valuables.

The arrested suspects are: Elvis Charakupa (40), Khulumani Ivloyo (51), Mavrick Dube (32), Mongameli Moyo (27), Nkosilomusi Dube (27), Mabhena Qhawe (43), Vumani Msipa (31), and Conilias Chigara (24).

The breakthrough in the case came on November 20, 2024, when police detectives acting on a tip-off arrested Elvis Charakupa at a house in Mpopoma, Bulawayo. Charakupa's arrest led to the identification and subsequent arrests of Mavrick Dube and Mongameli Moyo, who were apprehended in Bulawayo and Tsholotsho, respectively.

Further investigations and intelligence gathering led to the capture of Nkosilomusi Dube, Mabhena Qhawe, Vumani Msipa, and Conilias Chigara at Beitbridge Toll Gate along the Gwanda-Beitbridge Road.

The arrests resulted in the recovery of crucial evidence, including a 0.32 pistol with eight rounds of ammunition and two getaway vehicles: a Nissan Note (registration number AFZ 4527) and a Toyota Corolla (registration number ACN 3328).

The suspects are linked to 10 armed robbery cases, including a robbery at a service station in Kelvin North on April 22, 2024, where USD 550.00 and a cellphone were stolen. Another case occurred on November 10, 2024, at a service station along Market Road, also in Kelvin North, where the thieves made off with USD 600.00 in cash.

In a more recent incident on November 17, 2024, the suspects were involved in a home invasion in Nkulumane 5, Bulawayo, where they stole ZAR 120,000.00 in cash and two cellphones.

Police are continuing their investigations, with ongoing efforts to connect the suspects to additional robberies that occurred in Filabusi, Gwanda, Plumtree, and Beitbridge.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has expressed gratitude to the public for their valuable contributions, which played a crucial role in the successful arrests. The ZRP has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected criminal activities by contacting the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, via WhatsApp at 0712 800 197, or by visiting any nearest police station.

The police continue to stress the importance of public cooperation in combatting crime and ensuring the safety of all citizens.

Source - byo24news