Harare residents can breathe a collective sigh of relief following the arrest of eight suspected armed robbers responsible for a string of brazen heists across the city.
The final suspect was apprehended on November 13th, allegedly while seeking spiritual assistance from a traditional healer in Glenview 1, bringing an end to a major police operation. The gang stands accused of twelve counts of armed robbery, their crimes spanning from July 13th to October 3rd, 2024.
The arrests culminated in the recovery of significant evidence, including dangerous weapons and explosives. National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrests and detailed the recovered items in a statement. “Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s press statement released on November 4, 2024, on the arrest of Spencer Mapfumo aged 42, Patrick Chibaba alias Mupositori aged 38, Tarwirei Madzudzu alias Mukanya aged 50, Paddington Meki aged 44 and Washington Marunze aged 36 in connection with seven cases of armed robbery, including the US$30,000 robbery at Dinwoo Investments in Workington, Harare, on October 28, 2024,” he stated.
The remaining three suspects were apprehended later in November. Sydney Chemhere, alias Seedza (42), was arrested on November 11th in Glenview 7, with police recovering eight Emex explosives and three fuse cables. Tinotenda Mabhandi, alias Timbobo (38), was apprehended at Makomva Shops in Glen View. The final arrest, Munyaradzi Gadzikwa (36), occurred on November 13th, as mentioned earlier, while he was allegedly consulting a traditional healer in Glenview 1.
The robberies targeted a range of victims, highlighting the gang’s audacity and disregard for the law. On July 31st, 2024, a church in Budiriro 5B was robbed of US$2,599 in cash, a cellphone, and three passports. On August 18th, 2024, a house on Chinhamora Street in Ruwa was targeted, with US$2,300 stolen. A private security company in Avondale suffered a significant loss on October 3rd, 2024, with US$80 cash, a laptop, seven firearms (including rifles and revolvers), and live ammunition taken. The most high-profile robbery involved the theft of US$30,000 from Dinwoo Investments in Workington on October 28th, 2024.
Commissioner Nyathi emphasised that investigations are ongoing, suggesting the gang may be responsible for further crimes across Harare. “All in all, the suspects are facing 12 cases of armed robbery. We are working to ensure all evidence is gathered and justice is served,” he said. The police believe the gang’s activities extended beyond the twelve confirmed cases, targeting churches, businesses, and residential properties across the city.
The arrests have been met with widespread public approval, particularly the recovery of the dangerous explosives and firearms. The case also underscores a disturbing trend: criminal gangs seeking “spiritual protection” to bolster their operations. The suspects remain in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.
