Three suspected robbers die in shootout with polic...

Three suspected robbers die in shootout with police

Oscar J Jeke

Three suspected armed robbers were killed in a shootout with police in Gwanda.

In a statement posted on X, National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said that the suspects were travelling in a green and white Toyota Hiace en route to Freda Mine near Tuli River before being intercepted by the police.

“On seeing the detectives, the suspects started to fire towards the police officers and a shootout ensued. Resultantly, Pride Moyo, Newman Ncube and Ntokozo Ncube were shot and were taken to Gwanda District Hospital where they died upon admission,” Nyathi said in the statement.

The suspects were previously linked to two robbery cases and an attempted murder, one of the robbery case occurred at Insindi Ranch House on June 30, 2023 where they attacked the victims before getting away with US$7 800, jewellery valued at US$200 among other valuables.

Meanwhile, police have also confirmed the arrest two suspects, Sherperd Kamhandu and Douglas Kaingidza for suspected number of unlawful entry crimes.

In a statement, Ass Comm Nyathi said the two were apprehended by the public before being referred to the police, who linked them to another unlawful entry case at Kandeya Township in Mt Darwin.

“On 27th Of January 2024, the two suspects were apprehended by the public in Rushinga, Mt Darwin whilst selling 8 bricks of cigarettes and were later referred to CID Mt Darwin for further management. The detectives managed to link the two suspects to a case of unlawful entry and theft which occurred at Kandeya Township, Mt Darwin,” Ass Comm Nyathi added.

Police recovered 70 bricks of cigarettes, clothes, blankets, gas stove, a television and cellphone accessories valued at US$1 787.