News / National
Bulawayo machete gang busted
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A terrifying machete-wielding gang that had terrorised several Bulawayo suburbs for months has finally been brought to justice, with police arresting seven suspects linked to a series of violent robberies and a cellphone theft syndicate.
The arrests bring to an end a wave of fear that gripped areas such as Sauerstown, Queenspark, Khumalo, Entumbane, and Hillside, where the gang had been ambushing unsuspecting pedestrians in bushy or isolated spots, often using machetes and axes to threaten and rob them of their cellphones.
Police have identified the suspected mastermind as 46-year-old Kurauone Nkomo, popularly known as SaMishy, a second-hand phone dealer based in Makokoba. Nkomo is accused of coordinating the syndicate from his base at Fusini Shops, allegedly buying stolen mobile phones from younger members of the gang.
Other arrested suspects include Tafadzwa Chimusaru (30), Prince Ngulube (18), Leeroy Sibanda (19), Hardlife Sibanda (27), Brian Ndlovu (23), and Nqobile Terrence Ngwenya. Most of the men reportedly reside in Mzilikazi and Sauerstown and were involved in over 20 reported robberies between December 2024 and May 2025.
Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the breakthrough and commended the public for assisting with tip-offs that led to the arrests. "They would threaten victims with weapons and rob them of their cellphones. Thanks to vigilant members of the public, our detectives moved in and arrested the suspects, who have since been positively identified by several victims across different police stations," she said.
Inspector Msebele praised the collaborative effort between police and the community, stating that such cooperation is essential in creating an environment where criminals struggle to operate. She also issued a warning to residents, urging them to avoid walking alone through bushy paths, especially during the day's quieter hours or after dark.
Investigations are ongoing, and police believe the gang may be linked to additional unsolved robbery cases. Authorities have encouraged any further victims to come forward to aid in the prosecution process.
The arrests bring to an end a wave of fear that gripped areas such as Sauerstown, Queenspark, Khumalo, Entumbane, and Hillside, where the gang had been ambushing unsuspecting pedestrians in bushy or isolated spots, often using machetes and axes to threaten and rob them of their cellphones.
Police have identified the suspected mastermind as 46-year-old Kurauone Nkomo, popularly known as SaMishy, a second-hand phone dealer based in Makokoba. Nkomo is accused of coordinating the syndicate from his base at Fusini Shops, allegedly buying stolen mobile phones from younger members of the gang.
Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the breakthrough and commended the public for assisting with tip-offs that led to the arrests. "They would threaten victims with weapons and rob them of their cellphones. Thanks to vigilant members of the public, our detectives moved in and arrested the suspects, who have since been positively identified by several victims across different police stations," she said.
Inspector Msebele praised the collaborative effort between police and the community, stating that such cooperation is essential in creating an environment where criminals struggle to operate. She also issued a warning to residents, urging them to avoid walking alone through bushy paths, especially during the day's quieter hours or after dark.
Investigations are ongoing, and police believe the gang may be linked to additional unsolved robbery cases. Authorities have encouraged any further victims to come forward to aid in the prosecution process.
Source - the chronicle
