In a recent incident at Tuli River, Gwanda, three suspected armed robbers, identified as Pride Moyo, Newman Ncube, and Ntokozo Ncube, were killed in a shoot-out with the police. The suspects were allegedly involved in terrorizing and targeting individuals who kept large sums of money in Bulawayo and Matabeleland South province.
According to National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the police received a tip-off and intercepted the suspects, who were travelling in a green and white Toyota Hiace near Tuli River en route to Freda Mine. Upon noticing the detectives, the suspects opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Pride Moyo, Newman Ncube, and Ntokozo Ncube sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead upon arrival at Gwanda District Hospital.
During the operation, the police recovered a .38 SPL revolver with two live rounds, three empty cartridges, and two pellet guns from the suspects’ vehicle. Assistant Commissioner Nyathi further revealed that the deceased suspects were linked to two robbery cases and an attempted murder case.
One of the robbery cases occurred on June 30, 2023, at Insindi Ranch House, where the suspects, armed with pistols, a hunting knife, a knobkerrie, and pepper spray, attacked two victims. They made off with US$7,800 in cash, an FN 9mm pistol with a magazine containing 13 rounds, a cadix .38 revolver, and jewellery valued at US$200. In another robbery case on January 1, 2024, in Plumtree, the suspects, armed with firearms, confronted a victim and stole US$74,000, R25,000, and a motor vehicle.
Additionally, the suspects were connected to an attempted murder case that took place on August 1, 2023, in Cowdray Park. During a shoot-out, three police officers were injured.
Meanwhile, the police are seeking information that could lead to the arrest of Simelweyinkosi Dube, who managed to escape from the scene during the shoot-out. Assistant Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to report any criminal activities or movements of criminal syndicates to the police through the National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631, WhatsApp (0712 800 197), or the nearest police station.
