A wave of fear has gripped the town of Hwange as a notorious seven-man gang, including two soldiers and a police officer, appeared before Hwange magistrate, Ms Rumbidzai Kabasa, facing 11 counts of armed robbery. The accused, who allegedly terrorised businesses in the region, are facing a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
The gang, comprising Proud Gumbo (30), a soldier with the Zimbabwe National Army stationed at the 1.2 Infantry Battalion in Hwange, Darren Tshuma (25), Thamsanqa Moyo (33), a police officer at ZRP Hwange Traffic, Michael Sibanda (26), Majority Ndlovu (26), John Jiringani (32) and Brighton Sitimali Mwanza (32), another soldier at the same battalion, allegedly used Gumbo’s service pistol in their operations.
The prosecutor, Ms Jamesina Makanza, detailed the gang’s alleged crimes, painting a picture of a group operating with chilling audacity. Their crime spree was interrupted last Monday when they attempted to rob BancABC in Kamativi. Their plan was foiled by a vigilant security guard and quick-acting police detectives. During the botched robbery, one of their accomplices, Mxolisi Sibanda, managed to escape, prompting a police manhunt.
The gang’s trail of destruction includes a series of terrifying incidents:
- June 30, 2023: The gang stormed Priceline Pharmacy, where Gumbo allegedly brandished a pistol, forcing the pharmacist, Mr Sam Siment, to lie down while they stole $160 and a cellphone.
- January 8, 2023: The gang raided Total Service Station in Hwange at around 2am, overpowering a security guard and stabbing a fuel attendant, stealing $200.
- May 5, 2023: The gang attacked Mac Motors Garage, firing shots and stealing $1 100 in cash, as well as several cellphones.
- June 2, 2023: The gang targeted Mabhiza Compound Bar, looting alcohol and cash after terrorising patrons.
- July 20, 2023: The gang robbed a Pepsi delivery vehicle of $5 000 in Songwa.
- August 2, 2023: The gang attempted to rob a Lobels Distributors truck, firing shots at the fleeing vehicle.
- August 4, 2023: The gang targeted Zambezi Fish Farm in Msuna, leaving their vehicle at Moyo’s homestead in Makwa and finishing the journey on foot to the scene where they intended to rob Mr Macdonald Daniel. They fled after alert occupants raised the alarm, with Gumbo firing a shot to avoid being followed.
Their criminal activities culminated in the attempted robbery of BancABC in Kamativi on August 26, 2023. Gumbo and Sibanda entered the bank armed, but their efforts were thwarted by an alarm, leading to their eventual capture after a police ambush.
Gumbo and Sibanda entered the banking hall while their accomplices remained outside. Gumbo had pulled out a pistol and threatened to shoot the security guard, Mr Jamson Banda.
Gumbo confessed to robbing the ZB Bank Victoria Falls branch on November 31, 2022 and stealing US$15 000.
