Police Capture Three Armed Robbery Suspects After ...

Police Capture Three Armed Robbery Suspects After Shootout

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Writer

Three suspected armed robbers were arrested on Monday after a dramatic shootout with police at their hideout in Luveve, Bulawayo.

The suspects, identified as Moketsi Ndlovu, 18, Respect Khumalo, 22, and Onias Tembo, 19, are believed to be the masterminds behind a series of armed robberies targeting vehicles in Bulawayo and Gwanda between July and November 2024.

Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed that detectives tracked the suspects after receiving a tip-off about their location. Upon arrival, the suspects allegedly opened fire, triggering a gunfight.

The police managed to disarm and arrest the trio, recovering a 9mm FN Browning pistol with three live rounds and eight spent cartridges at the scene.

Preliminary investigations link the suspects to at least three- armed robbery cases. On October 1, 2024, Toyota Fun Cargo was stolen along Jungle Road in Harrisville, Bulawayo, after being hired from the city center.

On November 13, 2024, a Honda Fit, a cellphone, ZAR 500, and USD 15 were stolen during a robbery in Reigate Township and on November 20, 2024, Ford Ranger was stolen at Chigumira Business Centre in Bulawayo. The vehicle was later recovered abandoned at a railway crossing in Spitzkop, Gwanda.

Police are also searching for a fourth suspect, Elvis Charakupa, 41, whose last known address is 96/7878 Mpopoma, Bulawayo.

Commissioner Nyathi commended the officers involved and reaffirmed ZRP’s commitment to tackling armed robbery. “There is no going back in the fight against armed robbery cases in the country,” he said. “The law will take its course without fear or favour.”

The three suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities urge anyone with information on Charakupa’s whereabouts to come forward.