By Promise Dube
Police in Bulawayo have arrested six suspected robbers linked to a series of robbery cases in the city.
Three other suspects are still at large.
Police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the arrest of Lookout Dube, aged 42 years of Mzilikazi; Thabisani Ndlovu, aged 29 years of Cowdray Park; Meluleki Thebe, aged 35 years of Mzilikazi; Rangarirai Betserai aged 47 years of Mbundane; Trust Ndlovu aged 40 years and Thembelani Madeya both of Nguboyenja.
Mthulisi Mudimba, Edmore Zinyoro and Fanuel Chigororo are yet to be accounted for.
“During the period from March 2023, the accused persons committed a string of robbery cases within Bulawayo CBD and western suburbs. They used a similar means of manhandling security guards who will be on duty forcing them into the guard rooms where one of the accused persons will remain guarding them whilst the rest will open locked doors to gain entry into the premises. Whilst inside the accused persons would steal targeting electrical gadgets, truck batteries, drilling machines, angle grinders, gas appliances, clothing, groceries and went away unnoticed,” said Inspector Ncube.
“On 07 march 2023, information was received to the effect that Lookout Dube is part of the gang involved in these robberies. Acting on the tip off, a raid was conducted at the accused place of residence leading to his arrest. He was questioned and he confessed to committing these robberies and implicated other accused persons as his accomplices leading to the arrest of Thabisani Ndlovu, Meluleki Thebe and Rangarirai Betserai. The accused person led the detectives to the recovery of some of the stolen property.”
Police further received information that Trust Ndlovu and Thembelani Madeya were hiding in Mpopoma and they arrested them.
“On the 3rd of May 2023, police received information to the effect that Trust Ndlovu and Thembelani Madeya were staying and sleeping in a motor vehicle wreckage, parked at Mpopoma, Bulawayo. The team reacted to the information and arrested the accused persons. Upon being interviewed, the two admitted to having committed the robbery cases in the company of their accomplices.”
Inspector Ncube applauded community members for assisting with information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
“We also urge the community to use target hardening techniques in their business premises by increasing doors and windows burglar bars security,” he added.
