A gang of armed robbers who had been terrorizing residents of Bulawayo for weeks finally met their match when police set an ambush that resulted in a dramatic shootout.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi says that four suspects have been arrested so far while a manhunt is underway for others still at large.
The gang’s alleged crime spree ranged from 11 April to 23 May, hitting multiple homes where they stole money, phones, groceries and other valuables at gunpoint.
The first break in the case came when police arrested 24-year-old Vusumuzi Mguni for an armed robbery on 10 May. He reportedly implicated several accomplices.
Mguni then led police to Hawkflight Terminus where they cornered 27-year-old Nkazimulo Ndimande Nyoni. A shootout ensued and Nyoni was shot in the leg and is admitted at a local hospital in Bulawayo.
Police recovered an assortment of weapons and loot from the scene. Mguni then took police to two more suspects, 33-year-old Mbekezeli Moyo and 25-year-old Andile Mudana, resulting in the recovery of more stolen goods.
However, at least 4 suspects including ringleaders “Professor”, Prince Dube and suspects named Mukaya and JB remain at large. Police are appealing for information from the public to track them down.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said police operations targeting robbery syndicates have been intensified nationwide, and all suspects will face the full force of the law.
