Suspected armed robbers shot by police in Masvingo after attempted escape
TWO alleged armed robbers were shot by law enforcement agents in Masvingo on Friday. The suspects reportedly attempted to flee the scene, prompting the police to open fire.
According to Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Pharaoh Moyo Chidyanavarungu (27) and David Mkosana (30) were both shot in the legs after they fled in different directions. Chidyanavarungu is currently receiving medical treatment at Masvingo General Hospital. The two individuals had been apprehended along with Terrence Mpofu (21) and Genius Washaya (31) in connection with a series of armed robberies that took place between December 2023 and January 2024.
Nyathi explained that the arrest of David Mkosana in Damofalls, New Stands in Gweru led to the subsequent apprehension of the other suspects. Mkosana cooperated with the detectives and helped lure his accomplices, Chidyanavarungu, Mpofu, and Washaya, to a supermarket in Kwekwe, where they were arrested.
During the operation, the police recovered a laptop, an open view decoder, and a cellphone as part of the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, the four suspects are being questioned in relation to four armed robbery cases, including an incident on December 14, 2023, where a house in Victoria Range, Masvingo was targeted. In that particular robbery, the suspects, armed with an okapi knife, iron bars, a catapult, and a screwdriver, broke into the house, assaulted two victims, and made off with USD 1,500 in cash and four cellphones.
Another case took place on January 8, 2024, at Clapsham View in Masvingo. The suspects allegedly broke into a house, attacked two victims, and stole two cellphones, an HP laptop, two satchels, 2 liters of Jameson whisky, 750 milliliters of Jake Daniels, one liter of John Walker double black, a white power bank, and 16 x 20-liter diesel coupons.
