Another gang of robbers, one that included South Africans, has been accounted for after two were shot dead and four were arrested, three with gunshot injuries, following a shoot-out with police at a guest house in Harare.
The gang, which is believed to have arrived in the country from South Africa this week, had been on a robbery spree and was also involved in kidnappings for ransom.
They were raided at a guest house in Arcadia where a shoot-out ensued.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi gave details yesterday.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the death of Jabulani Ngobeni aged 45 and Godknows Machingura aged 44 during a shoot-out incident in Arcadia, Harare and the arrest of Ndiafhi Makhado aged 39, Andrew Masubelele aged 38, Paul Zhou aged 55 and Emmanuel Makamo aged 22 for conspiracy to commit armed robbery in Kwekwe on December 19, 2023,” he said.
“Ndiafhi Makhado, Jabulano Ngobeni, Andrew Masubelele and Emmanuel Makamo had travelled from South Africa with intention of committing armed robberies.”
On Tuesday, detectives from CID Homicide in Harare received information that the suspects were booked at a guest house along Mauritius Road in Arcadia. They raided the guest house resulting in the suspects bolting.
“Jabulani Ngobeni fired shots towards the detectives and a shoot-out ensued, resulting in Jabulani Ngobeni being shot on the hip. Subsequently, Jabulani Ngobeni, Ndiafhi Makhado, Andrew Masubelele, Paul Zhou and Emmanuel Makamo were arrested. The arrest led to the recovery of a 9mm Star Pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition.
“Ndiafhi Makhado, Jabulani Ngobeni, Andrew Masubelele and Emmanuel Makamo were injured during the shoot-out and were referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for treatment where Jabulani Ngobeni died upon admission.” Zhou is alleged to have confessed to the detectives that he had booked the accommodation and hired two vehicles, a Toyota Fortuner registration number AFX 0554 and a Honda Fit registration number AFO 7446, after receiving US$400 from Machingura.
The suspects also revealed to the detectives that they had hatched a plan to raid properties in Kwekwe along Birmingham Road.
“Godknows Machingura was said to be in Shamva where he was monitoring the movement of their target. Subsequently, Machingura was lured to Morgan High School in Arcadia, Harare, where he was arrested after being shot on the groin following a high speed chase and a shoot-out with the detectives,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
The arrest led to the recovery of a 9mm Taurus Pistol with a magazine of nine live rounds. Machingura was referred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals where he died upon admission.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that any form of confrontation or armed clash with police reaction teams will be met with appropriate response. The Police is concerned with the involvement of foreign nationals in conspiring to commit armed robbery cases in the country. Police detectives have also gathered information to the effect that the arrested criminals wanted to kidnap some prominent people in the country for ransom. In this regard, the public is implored to be alert and safety conscious during the holidays,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
Meanwhile, police have applauded the public for supplying positive information that has assisted with the arrests of criminals.
Members of the public have been urged to report all criminal activities on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest police station.
