Eight armed robbers accused of targeting fuel stations in Bulawayo since February 2024, stealing R120,000 and US$5,000, have been arrested.
The suspects are Elvis Charakupa (40), Khulumani Moyo (51), Mavrick Dube (32), Mongameli Moyo (27), Nkosilomusi Dube (27), Mabhena Qhawe (43), Vumani Msipa (31), and Conilias Chigara (24).
They allegedly carried out a string of violent armed robberies across the city, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi revealed.
At around 8 p.m, on 19 February three suspects approached a security guard at a fuel station in Mpopoma, Bulawayo. When confronted, they fired three shots, injuring the guard. The victim was rushed to ZRP Western Commonage and later referred to Mpilo Hospital.
On 22 April, Kelvin North, three robbers armed with a pistol and knives raided a fuel station in Kelbin North and stole US$900 and a cellphone after firing a warning shot and threatening fuel attendants.
0n 10 November a group of six masked robbers stormed a Kelvin North service station at 8 p.m. They fired shots in the air, ordered staff to lie down, and stole US$600 and a DVR after disabling the CCTV system. One victim sustained a gunshot wound.
On November 15, robbers broke into a house in Bradfield, stealing a safe containing passports, a cellphone, and US$50.
On November 20, 2024, information from the public led to the arrest of Elvis Charakupa, who then identified his accomplices.
Police recovered a blue Nissan Note, a silver Toyota Corolla, and an unregistered firearm with a loaded magazine. The suspects confessed to several crimes, including armed robberies in Matabeleland South.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged citizens to report criminal activities to the National Complaints Desk or the nearest police station.
Investigations are ongoing to recover stolen property.
