Crime reporter

ONE of the eight suspected armed robbers who targeted residents, churches and businesses has been arrested while allegedly receiving spiritual deliverance from a traditional healer at a house in Glenview 1 suburb, Harare.

Police have so far arrested all eight suspected thieves who were wanted in connection with the cases, including the $30,000 heist that took place at a business in Harare’s Workington area.

The suspects face 12 counts of robbery.

In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.

“This refers to the Zimbabwe Republic Police press statement issued on 4 November 2024 regarding the arrest of Spencer Mapfumo aged 42, Patrick Chibaba aka Mupositori aged 38, Tarwirei Madzudzu aka Mukanya aged 50 44-year-old Paddington Meki and 36-year-old Washington Marunze. in relation to seven cases of armed robbery, including an incident on 28 October 2024 at Dinwoo Investments, Workington, Harare, where $30,000 in cash was stolen.

“Zimbabwe Republic Police confirm the arrest of three additional suspects in connection with the armed robbery cases. The suspects are Sydney Chemhere alias Seedza aged 42, Tinotenda Mabhandi alias Timbobo aged 38 and Munyaradzi Gadzikwa aged 36,” he said. On November 11, 2024, detectives from CID Homicide, Harare arrested Sydney Chemhere after receiving information that he was hiding in Glenview 7, Harare.

The arrest led to the recovery of eight Emex explosives and three safety cables.

Tinotenda Mabhande was later arrested at Makomva Shops in Glen View, Harare.

Munyaradzi Gadzikwa was arrested on 13 November 2024 while allegedly receiving spiritual assistance from a traditional healer at a house in Glenview 1, Harare.

The three suspects are still facing five cases of robbery that occurred between July 13, 2024 and October 3, 2024, in Harare, including an armed robbery that occurred on July 31, 2024, at a church in Budiriro 5B, Harare where $2,599 in cash, a mobile phone and three passports were stolen and another case of armed robbery which took place on August 18, 2024 at a house along Chinhamora Street, Ruwa, where $2,300 in cash was stolen. The suspects are also linked to a robbery case that took place on October 3, 2024 at a private security company along Lighton Road, Avondale, Harare, where $80 in cash, a laptop, four rifles 303 , a .22 rifle, three revolvers and several plastics. bags containing live ammunition were stolen.

Comm Nyathi said: “In total, the suspects are facing 12 cases of armed robbery where churches, businesses and residential areas were targeted. Investigations are ongoing to link the suspects to other robbery cases.