The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced the arrest of eight suspects in connection with a series of armed robberies that have plagued Harare and surrounding areas since July 2024. The arrests, culminating in a significant breakthrough, follow a meticulously planned operation by CID Homicide Harare detectives.
The initial arrest on October 30th, 2024, focused on Spencer Mapfumo (42). Detectives, acting on intelligence linking him to a robbery at Dinwoo Investments in Workington on October 28th, where US$30,000 was stolen, tracked him down driving an unregistered Nissan AD Van near Jumbo Wholesalers on Cameroon Street. The subsequent search of the vehicle yielded a firearm and US$37.00 in cash. Investigations revealed Mapfumo had purchased the van with his share of the stolen money.
Mapfumo’s arrest triggered a chain reaction. He implicated Patrick Chibaba alias Mupositori (38), Tarwirei Madzudzu alias Mukanya (50), Paddington Meki (44), and Washington Marunze (36) as accomplices. The subsequent arrests involved a mixture of tactical manoeuvres and information gathering.
Chibaba’s arrest in Eyecourt, Waterfalls, was dramatic. Upon realising he was surrounded, he attempted to flee, resulting in a gunshot wound to his left foot. Police recovered US$2,020, a 7.65 mm Tokarev pistol with three rounds, and a Relay blank Riyreroy pistol from his residence.
Madzudzu’s arrest in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza, also involved a tense standoff. A warning shot was fired as he attempted to escape, leading to his apprehension. Police recovered US$740 from his home.
Meki was apprehended on October 31st at the intersection of Josiah Tongogara Avenue and Simon Muzenda Street while en route to Domboshava in a red Honda Fit (AFV 0438) to meet his accomplices.
Finally, with Chibaba’s assistance, Marunze was lured to Julias Nyerere Street and arrested. A 7.65mm magazine with rounds, US$805, and a small silver and black bag were recovered from him.
The five suspects are now linked to at least six armed robberies in and around Harare between July and October 2024. These include a robbery at ZAOGA Church, Glenorah A, on August 20th, where US$4,000, £130, ZAR 5,610, BWP 120, and ZWG 559 were stolen; and a robbery at Garfunkel, Prince Charles Airport, Mt Hampden, on October 7th, where an expandable button stick and US$27,273 were stolen.
In a separate but related development, police arrested Bornwell Mukwasi (32), Clive Mudiwa (25), and Nathan Mudiwa (22) in connection with a robbery at Rhi-Media Holdings on October 29th, where computers and accessories valued at US$71,710 were stolen. Mukwasi was arrested in the Harare Central Business District and implicated the Mudiwa brothers. Investigations revealed Mukwasi had sent some of the stolen goods to Beitbridge via bus, which police successfully intercepted.
The arrests represent a significant blow to criminal activity in Harare. The meticulous police work, combining intelligence gathering, tactical arrests, and effective collaboration, has resulted in the recovery of significant amounts of stolen property and the disruption of a well-organised criminal network.
The suspects are expected to face numerous charges related to armed robbery and will appear in court soon. The ongoing investigations may reveal further details and potentially more arrests in the coming weeks.
