Shootout with police claims lives of three school robbery suspects in Kadoma
In a dramatic turn of events, a confrontation between law enforcement and a gang of robbers resulted in the deaths of three suspects in Kadoma.
The individuals were part of a criminal group responsible for a series of school burglaries in and around Bulawayo. Two other accomplices, believed to be foreigners, were apprehended by the police, while authorities are actively pursuing the final member of the gang.
On Tuesday, the police engaged in a high-stakes shootout with the suspects after they opened fire while attempting to escape in their vehicle. The intense exchange of gunfire ultimately led to the demise of the three robbers at Tandara Shopping Centre in Ingezi, Kadoma. The deceased have been identified as Peter Ngulube (38), Shylock Makoni (41), and Tendai Madiki (52), according to National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The sequence of events unfolded when detectives from CID Homicide in Bulawayo acted on information received and successfully apprehended two foreign national suspects within Bulawayo. During interrogation, the two individuals confessed to multiple armed robberies in the Bulawayo area and disclosed plans to rendezvous with their fellow gang members, Ngulube, Makoni, and Madiki, in Kadoma for another criminal operation.
The two arrested suspects cooperated with the detectives and led them to Tandara Shopping Centre in Ingezi, Kadoma, where the remaining three suspects were located in a silver Toyota Raider D4D with registration number AFR 4376. Upon sighting the detectives, the suspects opened fire and attempted to flee, resulting in a fierce shootout. Following the exchange, the detectives searched the suspects’ vehicle and recovered various incriminating items, including firearms, spent cartridges, pellet guns, tools, and disguises.
Ngulube and Makoni sustained severe injuries during the shootout and were rushed to Kadoma General Hospital, where they were both pronounced dead. Madiki, who attempted to escape during a subsequent search for additional weapons, was shot and also succumbed to his injuries at Kadoma General Hospital.
Investigations have linked the gang to five separate robberies, including incidents at Inyanda High School in Gwabalanda on September 9, where 26 HP laptops valued at US$13,000 were stolen. Additionally, they are believed to be responsible for a robbery on September 13, 2023, at Ingwengwe Primary School in Bulawayo, during which US$1,253 in cash was stolen. Another robbery took place on September 15, 2023, at Queen Elizabeth Primary School in Illanda, Bulawayo, resulting in the theft of solar panels.
While the police have successfully apprehended some members of the gang, they are actively seeking the sixth and final suspect, identified only as “Gody” from Maboleni Village. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the outstanding suspect to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized the commitment of the Zimbabwe Republic Police to bring all robbery suspects to justice. The ongoing operations aim to dismantle criminal groups and syndicates involved in robberies, ensuring that they face the full force of the law.
