Bulawayo, (Bulawayo)-Three men suspected of being linked to a series of car thefts in Bulawayo and Gwanda were injured after being involved in a shoot-out with police in Luveve high density suburb on Monday.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying the suspects are currently admitted at the Mpilo Central Hospital under police guard.
The trio, who are suspected of being involved in a series of car thefts in Bulawayo and Gwanda between July and November 2024, were apprehended during the incident.
“Police confirm a shootout incident and the subsequent arrest of three suspects in connection with a string of robbery cases targeting motor vehicles in Bulawayo and Gwanda,” he said.
Identified as Moketsi Ndlovu (18), Respect Khumalo (22), and Onias Tembo (19), the suspects allegedly opened fire on detectives who had tracked them to their hideout following a tip-off. Police returned fire, disarming and arresting the trio.
A 9mm FN Browning pistol, loaded with three live rounds and eight spent cartridges was recovered at the scene,Nyathi said. Comm Nyathi said the suspects are being linked to three armed robbery cases, including theft of a Toyota Fun Cargo along Jungle Road, Harrisville, Bulawayo on October 1 this year.
He said on 13 November 2024, they allegedly stole a Honda Fit vehicle, a cellphone as well as ZAR500-00 and USD 15.00.
On 20 November 2024 they allegedly stole a Ford Ranger at Chigumira Business Center, which was later recovered at a railway crossing in Spitzkop, Gwanda.
Commissioner Nyathi revealed that police are still searching for an outstanding suspect, Elvis Charakupa of Mpopoma and urged members of the public with information on his whereabouts to contact their nearest police station.
The incident follows the recent arrest of an eight-member gang that terrorised filling stations in the city between February and November this year, stealing a total of US$5 000 and ZAR120 000 while shooting and injured some victims during the robberies.
The suspects Elvis Charakupa (40) and Khulumani Moyo (51), Mavrick Dube (32), Mongameli Moyo (27), Nkosilomusa Dube (31), Conilias Chigara (24), Mabhena Qhawe (43), and Vumani Msipa (31), were charged with armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms.
They were not asked to plead when they appeared before magistrate Joseph Mabeza who remanded them in custody to December 6 and 9 respectively.
Meanwhile, Police statistics show a slight decrease in motor vehicle thefts in Bulawayo, with 51 cases reported this year compared to 53 last year. with Honda Fit vehicles remaining a primary target.
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