In a significant development, three additional suspects have been arrested in connection with the recent robbery at a financial services company in Belgravia, Harare. Shadreck Tendai (42), Phillip Rwodzi (37), and Livingstone Tunha (53), all employees of Quest Financial Services, appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Apollonia Marutya. The State successfully obtained a warrant for further detention as investigations continue. These individuals are scheduled to appear in court alongside six other suspected accomplices.
The remaining six suspects, Washington Mangwanda (21), Brighton Chikuwa (27), Silence Matambo (27), Liberty Mukangaise (31), Richard Marondera (25), and Luke Zinyengere (28), previously appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei. The State has also applied for an extension of their detention period to facilitate ongoing investigations and the recovery of items purchased with the stolen proceeds.
According to reports, the incident unfolded when the gang raided the offices of Lancelot Tashayawedu armed with various weapons, including firearms, tools, and explosives. They tied up and subdued Mr. Tashayawedu before ransacking several offices, including the server room and the safes. The robbers made off with a substantial sum of money totalling over US$720,676, as well as other valuables.
The robbery was interrupted by the arrival of the Safe Guard reaction team, prompting the suspects to flee and leave behind some evidence. The police have been diligently following leads, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of a significant amount of the stolen money and purchased assets.
In a statement this week, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said detectives from CID Homicide, Harare received information which linked Brighton Chikukwa to the offence. The detectives tracked the suspect to Mbare, Harare where he was arrested and he allegedly implicated the other suspects and Zacharia Charuwanda Allias Zero, Trymore Chimbambo, Maxwell Kadzembe as well as three employees at Quest Financial Services.
Police allege Chikukwa received US$40 000 cash as part of his share from the loot. The detectives recovered US$ 25 000 cash and a Ford Ranger D4D vehicle, registration number AGC 6541, which he had allegedly bought for US$ 14,000. Silence Matambo and Washington Mangwanda were later arrested in Mbare after being lured by Chikukwa.
The detectives recovered US$22 000 cash which was allegedly given to Matambo and Mangwanda as part of their share of the loot.
Police allege Mangwanda was given US$25 000 as part of his share which he used to buy a Toyota Aqua vehicle for US$5 300 and gave his mother US$ 10 000 and another US$ 5 000 to his wife for personal use.
Detectives acted on received information and arrested Liberty Mukanganise at Boka Tobacco Auction Floors in Waterfalls. Investigations by the detectives revealed that he was allegedly given US$ 23 000 cash as part of his share of the loot. He led the detectives to the recovery of US$20 560 cash, a car radio, a sub-woofer, seat covers valued at US$55, four size 15 tyres valued at US$240, car shields valued at US$35 and mag wheels valued at US$400.
Tafadzwa Richard Marondera and Luke Zinyengere were later arrested in Glen View and led the detectives to the recovery of US$50 600 cash. It was established that Marondera was given US$35 000 as part of his share while Zinyengere was given US$25 000.
The detectives recovered a Mark X vehicle, registration number AFR 7059, which Zinyengere had allegedly bought for US$1 100, an iPhone 14 Pro Max bought for US$ 1 300, and an iPhone 15 Pro Max bought for US$1 500.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police applauds the public for supplying positive information which has assisted the police to account for armed robbery suspects throughout the country. The police reiterates that company executives must ensure that information on institutions’ financial transactions, security and movements is not shared with every employee.
It is now clear that most high-profile robbery cases have an element of inside information. The public is urged to continue forwarding information regarding criminal activities to the National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197 or contact any nearest Police Station,” Assistant Comm Nyathi said.
These recent arrests reflect the commitment of law enforcement in tackling high-profile robbery cases and ensuring the safety and security of businesses and individuals in the country.
