J and P security robbery cracked

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

A notorious gang responsible for a string of high-profile robberies, including the widely publicized J and P Security heist, has finally been apprehended by the police.

The trail leading to their capture began with a single stolen phone and unraveled through a web of self-incrimination.

The gang, comprising a mix of civilians and serving military personnel, included Owen Mbayi (37), Simbarashe Vhazhure (33), Promise Mussa (36), Farai Chauke (38), Thembinkosi Matutu (47), Batsirai Hutsi (21), Innocent Chawaguta (37), Tafadzwa Chirinda Charute (36), Tapiwa Chigwaze (39), Winston Matizanadzo (46), and Kamuriwo Mudziwaona (39).

The domino effect started when a stolen phone belonging to Chawaguta's girlfriend, Melody Mudzimurema, was traced back to her. This crucial piece of evidence led to Chawaguta's arrest, and under questioning, the suspects began to implicate each other, shattering the gang's facade of unity.

Police investigations yielded a significant cache of firearms, including rifles, pistols, and shotguns, many stolen during their criminal spree. Notably, several weapons recovered were from the J and P Security robbery.

The capture wasn't without its perils. Three gang members, Wonder Amidu (53), Tinashe Takudzwa Tricias Munjerenjere, and Norest Prosper Mutambudzi, died during confrontations with the police. In Munjerenjere's case, a shootout ensued after he attempted to escape custody. Mutambudzi also met his demise during a police operation, while resisting arrest with a blank pistol.

The remaining gang members were apprehended through a series of meticulously planned operations. Police utilized various tactics, including luring suspects to specific locations and laying ambushes. In one instance, Matutu, already in custody, was used to lure his accomplice Hutsi, who was subsequently apprehended.

The extensive police memo details not only the arrests but also the various recovered stolen items and weapons.