Online Reporter
Crime Reporter
THREE young suspected robbers aged between 18 and 22, accused of committing a spate of carjacking cases in Bulawayo and Gwanda, are facing a murder charge and 10 more armed robbery charges as investigations continue.
The offences were committed between July and November 20, this year.
The trio was arrested following a shootout in Bulawayo.
They are Moketsi Ndlovu (18), Respect Khumalo (22) and Onias Tembo (19).
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s press statement released on November 26, 2024, regarding a shoot-out incident and subsequent arrest of Moketsi Ndlovu aged 18, Respect Khumalo aged 22 and Onias Tembo aged 19 in connection with three armed robbery cases in Bulawayo.
“The suspects are further clearing a case of murder and 10 armed robbery cases which occurred in Gwanda between May 26, 2024 and November 17, 2024.”
He said the suspects are being linked to a case of murder which occurred on May 26, 2024, at Buvuma Village in Guyu where Unkemetsi Maphosa (32) was shot dead with a pistol in a botched robbery incident and a case of robbery which occurred on September 12, 2024 at a shop in Fumukwe, Guyu where R23 500 and US$60 cash as well as a Honda Fit vehicle were stolen.
Further, the suspects are facing a case of robbery which occurred at shop in Gwanda where R10 000 and US$100 cash were stolen and another robbery case which occurred at Pulipeli Village, Marupi in Gwanda where a Toyota FunCargo vehicle, as well as US$4 520 and R11 910 cash were stolen.
On November 25, 2024, a police crack team in Bulawayo received a tip-off linking the suspects to the robbery cases and they were tracked and spotted at their hideout in Luveve.
A shootout ensued.
The suspects were subsequently disarmed and arrested. The arrest led to the recovery of a 9 mm FN Browning Pistol with three live rounds as well as eight empty cartridges.
Comm Nyathi said the suspects are being linked to three armed robbery cases, including one in which a Toyota Fun Cargo (registration number AEA 5078) was stolen on October 1, 2024, after the suspects hired the vehicle along Jungle Road in Harrisville, Bulawayo.
On November 13, 2024, a Honda Fit (registration number ADU 1198), a cellphone, R500 and US$15 were stolen at Reigate Township, Bulawayo.
Another robbery occurred on November 20, 2024, at Chigumira Business Centre in Bulawayo and a Ford Ranger (registration number AFN 6255) was stolen. The vehicle was recovered at a railway crossing in Spitzkop, Gwanda.
Meanwhile, police are appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspects, Elvis Charakupa (41), whose known address is 96/7878 Mpopoma in Bulawayo, Litsha Prince Billiat Moyo, Wisdom Wilson Masundire (25) and Precautious Moyo.
Anyone with information should contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station.
