3 arrested in connection with armed robbery

Zim Now Writer

Police arrested three people in connection an armed robbery cases, which occurred in and around Harare between December 29, 2023 and February 6, 2024.

The suspects, Patricia Mutedzi, 24, Munyaradzi Jonga, 34, and Munyaradzi Sandaka, 33, would pounce on unsuspecting security guards and homeowners before stealing cash and valuables at gunpoint.

Police confirmed the arrest in a statement on X.

“On 14th February 2024 detectives from CID Homicide received information which linked Patricia Mutedzi to the robbery cases after a Toyata Mark X vehicle, registration number AEQ 7631, which she was driving was captured on CCTV at one of the robbery scenes. The detectives acted on received information and arrested Patricia Mutedzi at Damview Lodge, leading to the recovery of the vehicle which was being used as a getaway car.”

Mutedzi implicated Jonga, Sandaka and another suspect who was identified as Madzibaba Sandaka as her accomplices.

The detectives tracked Jonga to his residence at Retreat Farm, Waterfalls where he resisted arrest, resulting in him being shot on the right leg before being arrested.

His arrest let to the recovery of 0.38 Rossi Revolver with five live rounds, jewellery, two gold scales, diamond detector and three satchels with suspected minerals.

Jonga then led the detectives to Glen View 8 where Sandaka resides. On seeing the detectives, Sandaka bolted out and was shot on the shin before his arrest.

The four armed robbery suspects are clearing six robbery cases, including one which occurred at a house in Retreat, Waterfalls on January 8, 2024, where ZAR8 000 and two cell phones were stolen and another case which occurred on January 22, 2024 at a house along Leonard Road, Waterfalls, Harare where a safe containing US$13 000 cash was stolen.

Meanwhile in Ngundu, Masvingo police confirmed the death of Pardon Shoko, 36, and the arrest of Brian Jazi, 36, and Joseph Makuvise, 42, in connection with a case of conspiracy to commit robbery which occurred on February, 14.

Police crack team in Masvingo acted on received information and tracked the three armed robbery suspects who were travelling in a Toyota Runx motor vehicle en route to Chiredzi where they intended to commit a robbery.

“On reaching the Ngundu-Tanganda Turn-off, the police crack them intercepted the three armed robbery suspects, who had parked their motor vehicles in a bush and started walking towards Ngundu Business Centre, before ordering them to lie on the ground. Shoko resisted arrest, he pointed a pistol at the police officers which resulted in him being shot on the shoulder and referred to a local clinic where he died on admission,” police confirmed.

The arrest of Jazi and Makuvise led to the recovery of ESPANA pistol loaded with two rounds, ten cable tiers, a hammer, a black and silver torch, four cell phones and an Econet sim card.

Investigations carried out linked the suspects to an armed robbery case which occurred at Robel Prowel Hardware in Masvingo CBD in January where the suspects attacked the victim before stealing US$38 455 and ZAR18 000.

They are also linked to another robbery case which occurred in the same month at a college in Masvingo, where the suspects attacked the victim before stealing US$23 000 from a safe.

In Harare, police arrested Brian Madondo, 21, Timothy Sharu, 33, Thias Dafi, 35, and Melody Savanhu, 26, at Mapondera Shopping Centre in Eastview on February 14 for being in possession of dangerous weapons.

The four were arrested following a report which was made to the police in relation to some patrons who were involved in a brawl at a sports bar.

Police attended the scene and pounced on the suspects’ Black Toyota Quantum motor vehicle, registration number AFO 0714, which was parked at the sports bar.

A search was conducted into the suspects’ motor vehicle, leading to the recovery of a 9mm P29 pistol with an empty magazine, 2x7.65mm live rounds, a deformed bar, 1x6 pounds hammer, a screw driver, a knife, a Honor cell phones and one spent cartridge.