HARARE – An early morning tip-off led to the arrest of 11 suspected robbers armed with two 303 rifles and an array of other weapons at Maruta Shopping Centre in Harare, police said.
The gang was busted at 3:30 am Thursday after attacking a man who was taken to Mbuya Dorcas Hospital for medical attention.
“Police and other security service officers were manning a roadblock along Seke/Delport Road when they received information to the effect that a complainant, 30, was being attacked at Maruta Shopping Centre,” police spokesman Paul Nyathi said in a statement.
“They reacted to the information and proceeded to the scene. They [the suspects] were armed with two 303 rifles, iron bars, a sjambok, and a catapult. Police investigations are underway to establish the origin of the firearms.”
The suspects were named as Tatenda Manongwa, 26, Jabulani Majoni, 32, Blessing Mabhureni, 27, John Machingauta, 26, Piyson Pamehenza, Lawrence Kwashira, 20, Tinashe Nyamaumba, 25, Professor Majaya, 28, Ashington Chamunorwa, 31, Tashinga Madzana and Farai Mangwanani, 32.
Nyathi said police were concerned about the increase in armed robberies across the country, urging members of the public to remain vigilant.
“The ZRP has intensified efforts to account for robbery syndicates who are moving around the country attacking members of the public who include motorists, business people, and people walking or moving alone,” he added.
