Harare, (New Ziana) – In a major crime-busting break through, police have announced the arrest of eight suspected armed robbers believed to be behind a string of violent robberies that rocked Beitbridge over the past two months, recovering firearms, getaway vehicles, and stolen property in the process.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of Tinashe Nkomo, also known as Sadamu or Jeck (39), Future Moyo (35), Decent Moyo (35), Obey Chiware (38), Wiseman Muleya (30), Tendai Mapira (45), Khumbulani Mabhena (42), and Admire Charumbira (36) in connection with the armed robbery spree that occurred between June 19 and August 20, 2025.
According to police, the breakthrough came on August 21, 2025, when detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Beitbridge arrested Future Moyo after receiving a tip-off linking him to a July 27 robbery at a house in Garikai suburb, where an airtime vendor was robbed of ZAR 15,000 and two cellphones.
“Moyo was apprehended while selling airtime vouchers at a discounted rate. He later implicated his accomplices, leading to the arrest of the entire gang,” said Nyathi.
The arrests resulted in the recovery of a loaded Girsan pistol with 36 live rounds of ammunition, two getaway vehicles — a Honda Fit (registration number AEO 9989) and a Toyota Probox (registration number AGT 7877) — as well as airtime vouchers worth USD 310.
The suspects are reportedly linked to at least nine robberies, including a July 1 house robbery at SDP New Stands area where ZAR 4,000, USD 3,000, and two cellphones were stolen.
They are also suspected of involvement in a July 16 robbery at a shop in the same area where ZAR 27,100, USD 130, two cellphones, and shoes were stolen.
Police also suspect the gang of being involved in an August 13 attack on an airtime vendor in Dulibadzimu, Beitbridge where USD 1,200, ZAR 2,000, and airtime vouchers worth USD 2,500 were stolen and a New Stands area incident of a robbery of ZAR 99,400, USD 1,550, and a cellphone.
Commissioner Nyathi applauded members of the public for providing crucial information that led to the gang’s capture, urging continued vigilance.
“We thank the public for their cooperation and urge them to keep reporting suspicious criminal activities to ensure that communities remain safe,” he said.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon facing multiple counts of armed robbery.
New Ziana
