Armed robbers gunned down

By Liberty Mutamba

THREE armed robbers linked to a series of armed robbery cases were shot dead during a shoot-out with police in Gwanda North.

National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the incident which occurred at Magwe, last week.

Pride Moyo, Newman Ncube and Ntokozo Ncube died upon admission at Gwanda Provincial Hospital while a fourth member, Simelweyinkosi Dube, escaped during the shoot-out.

The gang is linked to two robbery cases involving US$81 800 and R25 000 and an attempted murder case where they injured three police officers during a shoot-out.

“We confirm the death of Pride Moyo, Newman Ncube and Ntokozo Ncube during a shoot-out incident, which occurred at Magwe along Tuli River, Gwanda. Detectives from CID homicide Bulawayo acted on received information and Intercepted four armed robbery suspects who were travelling in a green and white Toyota Hiace near Tuli River enroute to Freda Mine.

“On seeing the detectives the suspects started to fire towards the police officers and a shoot-out ensued. Pride Moyo, Newman Ncube and Ntokozo Ncube were shot and were taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital where they died upon admission,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the police managed recovered a revolver 38 SPL with two live rounds, three empty cartridges and two pellet guns from the suspects’ vehicle.

“In one of the robbery cases which occurred on 30 June 2023 at Insindi Ranch House, the suspects who were armed with pistols, a hunting knife, knobkerrie and pepper spray attacked two victims before stealing US$7 800 cash, a FN 9mm pistol with a magazine of 13 rounds, a Cadix 38 revolver and jewellery valued at US$200.

“In another robbery case which occurred on 1 January 2024 in Plumtree the suspects, who were armed with Firearms attacked a victim before stealing US$74 000, R25 000 and a motor vehicle. The suspects are also linked to a case of attempted murder which occurred in Cowdray Park on 1 August 2023, where three police officers were injured during a shoot-out,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi appealed to members of the public with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect, who is still at large, to contact the police.

He also urged members of the public to report movements of criminal syndicates to the police to the national complaints desk on 0242- 703631 or on WhatsApp number 0712 800 192 or to report to any nearest police station.