News / National
Robber drops wallet, lands gang in jail
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Police in Bulawayo have arrested three suspects involved in an armed robbery at Bambanani Shopping Center in Gumtree after one of the suspects accidentally dropped his wallet at the crime scene.
Hopewell Ndlovu (32) of Pelandaba West, Emmanuel Masuku, also known as Mayibongwe (29), and Israel Zikhali (26) of Pumula South are now in custody. However, a fourth suspect, Mpumelelo Mafu, remains at large.
Bulawayo police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the robbery occurred on February 2, 2025, around 8 AM.
"The wallet left behind at the scene led investigators to Hopewell Ndlovu, whose arrest resulted in the recovery of some weapons and stolen items," said Asst Insp Msebele.
Among the recovered items were an Okapi knife, clothing Ndlovu wore during the robbery, and several stolen cellphones. Ndlovu implicated his accomplices, leading to their arrests and the recovery of additional items, including a .303 rifle without a butt, a pistol with no magazine or rounds, and more stolen cellphones.
According to police, the suspects entered the shop armed with a pistol, threatening the shopkeeper and her colleagues while ordering them not to move. One suspect raided the counter, stealing approximately USD 700 in cash and NetOne and Econet airtime valued at USD 200.
"They also stole multiple cellphones, including an Itel P38 (black), an iPhone 11 (silver-black), two small black Itel phones, and four other phones belonging to customers that were charging in the shop," added Asst Insp Msebele.
The suspects fled along Old Esigodini Road following the robbery. Police are appealing for information that could lead to the arrest of Mpumelelo Mafu, the remaining suspect still at large.
Members of the public with relevant details are urged to contact the nearest police station.
Hopewell Ndlovu (32) of Pelandaba West, Emmanuel Masuku, also known as Mayibongwe (29), and Israel Zikhali (26) of Pumula South are now in custody. However, a fourth suspect, Mpumelelo Mafu, remains at large.
Bulawayo police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the robbery occurred on February 2, 2025, around 8 AM.
"The wallet left behind at the scene led investigators to Hopewell Ndlovu, whose arrest resulted in the recovery of some weapons and stolen items," said Asst Insp Msebele.
Among the recovered items were an Okapi knife, clothing Ndlovu wore during the robbery, and several stolen cellphones. Ndlovu implicated his accomplices, leading to their arrests and the recovery of additional items, including a .303 rifle without a butt, a pistol with no magazine or rounds, and more stolen cellphones.
According to police, the suspects entered the shop armed with a pistol, threatening the shopkeeper and her colleagues while ordering them not to move. One suspect raided the counter, stealing approximately USD 700 in cash and NetOne and Econet airtime valued at USD 200.
"They also stole multiple cellphones, including an Itel P38 (black), an iPhone 11 (silver-black), two small black Itel phones, and four other phones belonging to customers that were charging in the shop," added Asst Insp Msebele.
The suspects fled along Old Esigodini Road following the robbery. Police are appealing for information that could lead to the arrest of Mpumelelo Mafu, the remaining suspect still at large.
Members of the public with relevant details are urged to contact the nearest police station.
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