Residents of Harare can heave a sigh of relief following the arrest of eight suspected armed robbers responsible for a series of reckless thefts in the city.

The last suspect was apprehended on November 13, allegedly while seeking spiritual assistance from a traditional healer in Glenview 1, ending a major police operation. The gang is charged with twelve counts of armed robbery, with their offenses spanning between July 13 and October 3, 2024.

The arrests culminated in the recovery of significant evidence, including dangerous weapons and explosives. National Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests and detailed the items recovered in a statement. “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 the robbery of $30,000 from Dinwoo Investments in Workington, Harare on October 28, 2024,” he stated.

The other three suspects were apprehended later in November. Sydney Chemhere alias Seedza (42) was arrested on November 11 in Glenview 7 and police recovered eight Emex explosives and three safety cables. Tinotenda Mabhandi alias Timbobo (38) was apprehended at Makomva Shops in Glen View. The final arrest, Munyaradzi Gadzikwa (36), took place on November 13, as mentioned earlier, while he was allegedly consulting a traditional healer in Glenview 1.

The robberies targeted a number of victims, highlighting the gang’s audacity and disregard for the law. On July 31, 2024, a church in Budiriro 5B was robbed of $2,599 in cash, a mobile phone and three passports. On August 18, 2024, a house on Chinhamora Street in Ruwa was targeted, with $2,300 stolen. A private security company in Avondale suffered a significant loss on October 3, 2024, with $80 in cash, a laptop, seven firearms (including rifles and revolvers) and live ammunition taken. The most famous robbery involved the theft of $30,000 from Dinwoo Investments in Workington on 28 October 2024.

Commissioner Nyathi stressed that investigations are ongoing, suggesting the gang may be responsible for further killings in Harare. “In total, the suspects are facing 12 cases of armed robbery. We are working to ensure that all evidence is gathered and justice is served,” he said. Police believe the gang’s activities have expanded beyond the twelve confirmed cases, targeting churches, businesses and residential properties in the city.

The arrests were met with widespread public approval, particularly for the recovery of dangerous explosives and firearms. The case also highlights a disturbing trend: criminal gangs seeking “spiritual protection” to bolster their operations. The suspects remain in custody, pending further court proceedings.

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