Chinhoyi – In a much-needed victory for the residents of Chinhoyi, three suspected armed robbers who have been terrorising the town for months have finally been apprehended.
The arrests, announced by Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Rachel Muteweri, bring a sigh of relief to a community that has been living in fear.
The trio, identified as James Dzapasi Maravanyika (31), Honest Magutse (29), and Never Soza (40), are facing a total of 13 charges, including 11 counts of robbery and two counts of unlawful entry and theft. Their reign of terror, which began on June 28th, 2024, has left a trail of victims and stolen property in its wake.
“During the period extending from June 28, 2024, to August 23, 2024, the trio, together with their accomplice, Jona Muzava aka Angazi of Mapinga Compound, Banket, who is still at large went on a robbing spree,” Detective Inspector Muteweri revealed.
The gang’s modus operandi was chillingly efficient. Armed with a firearm, they would force open doors, gain entry, and threaten their victims before robbing them of valuables. Their loot included lithium batteries, laptops and accessories, cellphones, television sets, clothes, and other household property.
The brazenness of their crimes was evident in their audacity. On August 14th, 2024, they pounced on one of their victims, demanding cash that they claimed she had received from a social money club. They ransacked her house, making off with US$736 and other valuables.
In another incident, they robbed and gang raped a victim before fleeing with stolen goods. The details of this horrific crime have not been released, but it serves as a stark reminder of the brutality of the gang’s actions.
Their luck finally ran out on August 26th, 2024, following a tip-off that Maravanyika was behind the crimes. He was apprehended in the Hillside industrial area of Chinhoyi. During questioning, he implicated his accomplices, leading to their subsequent arrests.
Following the arrests, police recovered a pellet gun, two lithium batteries, a laptop and accessories, a television set, various cellphones, and clothing. These items have been identified by the victims.
The three suspects appeared in Chinhoyi Regional Court and were remanded in custody for sentencing.
However, the arrest of the trio doesn’t signal the end of the investigation. Jona Muzava, also known as Angazi, remains at large and is considered dangerous. Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to his arrest.
“We are now appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspect, Jona Muzava aka Angazi of Mapinga Compound, Banket. In the same vein, the Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to applaud members of the public for their concerted effort in the fight against crime,” Detective Inspector Muteweri said.
