Staff Writer
Police have arrested several suspects in separate cases involving drug trafficking, armed robbery and stock theft in different parts of the country.
In Gweru, police recovered 279,38kg of dagga after a Nissan NV350 kombi, registration number AGS 6929, allegedly attempted to evade a police checkpoint along the Harare-Masvingo Road.
The incident occurred at about 3.40am on September 5, when police officers conducting a stop-and-search operation at the 188km peg noticed the kombi travelling towards Chivhu.
The vehicle allegedly crashed into another vehicle that had been parked off the road while attempting to evade the checkpoint.
The driver and an accomplice reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby bushes.
A subsequent search of the kombi resulted in the recovery of the dagga, which had been packed into 17 bags.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of five suspects in connection with a robbery at Gunguhwe Shopping Centre in Siakobvu, Kariba, on September 2.
The robbery occurred at about 1am, when the suspects allegedly armed themselves with axes and raided three shops.
The gang reportedly got away with cash, cellphones, bags, clothes and other valuables worth an estimated US$3 470.
The suspects have been identified as Lloyd Mupedzanhamo (37), Emmanuel Baruti (33), Malven Mupedzanhamo (23), Shelton Heberson Mwayera (23) and Tatenda Murehwa (19).
Police recovered US$46 and 41 kwacha, 14 cellphones, several clothing items, a balaclava, an axe, satchel bags and power banks from the suspects.
In Chipinge, police also arrested Solomon Khumbula Musize (26) in connection with a stock theft case involving goats.
The incident occurred at a school on September 3. Musize, who resides in the same area, had allegedly been given US$500 by a client to purchase 14 goats.
He allegedly took the money and proceeded to steal nine goats — five from the school and four from another villager.
The suspect was later apprehended by members of the community while allegedly transporting the stolen goats in a tricycle.
Police have since recovered all the stolen goats.
The three cases remain under police investigation, with the suspects expected to face charges in court.