Mambo Dhuterere laughs off armed robbery name confusion

GOSPEL musician Mambo Dhuterere has laughed off confusion surrounding an armed robbery suspect who shares his popular nickname, joking that he may have to change his name.

The musician, born Darlington Mutseta, found himself at the centre of social media chatter after the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) named a wanted armed robbery suspect using the alias "Mambo Dhuterere".

Mutseta, however, was publicly attending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's birthday celebrations in Mvurwi when the reports circulated.

The police have since moved to clarify that the wanted suspect is not the popular gospel singer, but a different individual who uses the same nickname.

"The ZRP clarifies that one of the outstanding suspects referred to as 'Mambo Dhuterere' is not the Zimbabwean musician known by that name," police said.

The clarification followed a police statement announcing the arrest of Tinei Makaripe (47), Pungurayi Mukumbachaza and Gabriel Mukumbachaza (41) in connection with a series of armed robbery cases in Ruwa, Rusape and Harare.

Police had identified several alleged accomplices who remained at large, including an individual referred to as "Mambo Dhuterere".

The use of the nickname sparked confusion, particularly among members of the public familiar with the musician.

Mutseta appeared to take the mix-up in good humour, joking that the incident could force him to reconsider the name he has used throughout his music career.

The police clarification effectively removes the musician from any association with the armed robbery investigations.

Investigations into the robbery cases are continuing, with police still pursuing the outstanding suspects.