Murehwa citizens' action leads to arrest of notori...

Murehwa citizens' action leads to arrest of notorious armed robbery gang

Zim Now Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of four suspects connected to a series of armed robberies that occurred in Mhangura, Shamva, and Murewa between March and April 2025. The suspects—Charles Dhokotera ,42, Mayor Sibanda ,34, Bothwell Kamwendo ,40, and Trivolta Donald Matunhu ,20,—were arrested following an armed attack at Nyamuzara Business Centre in Murewa on April 21, 2025.

According to police, the gang stormed a general dealer and cocktail bar at the business centre, threatening the owner, his family, and patrons while armed with rifles, a pistol, and baton sticks. Dressed in camouflage and police uniforms, the suspects made off with seven cellphones and US$1 300.

The robbers attempted to flee in a white Toyota Aqua, registration number AGC 2677, but were pursued by alert residents and later intercepted by police after their vehicle suffered a tyre puncture. Charles Dhokotera was arrested on the scene. During interrogation, he implicated Sibanda, Kamwendo, and Matunhu, who were subsequently apprehended in Harare.

The suspects were also linked to two other high-profile robberies. On March 31, 2025, they allegedly raided a mine in Mhangura, stealing 22 gold trapping mats and an unspecified number of smaller mats. In another incident on April 12, they are believed to have attacked a mine in Tafuna, Shamva, getting away with 50 cellphones, 20 grams of gold, and US$4 400 in cash.

Police investigations led officers to a bushy area near Shavanhowe River in Murewa, where a cache of recovered property included army camouflage uniforms, combat boots, blank-firing pistols, a shotgun, handcuffs, and various other military and security items.

The ZRP is now appealing to the public for information leading to the arrest of four other suspects still at large, identified as Raphael Gwaze, Bothwell Kamwendo (also listed earlier, possibly requiring clarification), Keda, and Dube. The public is urged to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800197 with any relevant information.