Staff Writer
Police have arrested six suspects in connection with a series of armed robberies targeting service stations and lodges in Beitbridge between 16 and 21 May 2026.
The suspects have been identified as Clatton Dube (36), Tapiwa Trymore Moyo (38), Philimon Bernard Dambwara (34), Nyasha Muparira (45), Jameson Chikozho (25) and Stanley Shumba (22).
According to a statement issued by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on 28 September, detectives received information that the suspects were allegedly planning another robbery at Mfelandawonye in Beitbridge on the night of 27 September.
Police tracked the suspects to the area and arrested Dube. During interviews, Dube allegedly implicated his accomplices, resulting in the arrest of the other five suspects.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the arrests followed investigations into a number of armed robbery cases in the Beitbridge area.
“The suspects led the police to the recovery of two Blow P29 air pistols, each fitted with a magazine containing two blank cartridges, one 9mm live round and one 9mm spent cartridge,” Nyathi said.
Police also recovered a metal lever believed to have been used during the robberies and an Oppo A75 cellphone.
The six suspects are being linked to six counts of armed robbery, including incidents at Redan Service Station on 16 May, Cossy Lodge on 20 May and Mother’s Lodge at Shule Shule on 21 May.
Property and cash valued at ZiG969 570 was reportedly stolen during the robberies.
Meanwhile, police in Chegutu arrested Tawanda Venge (41) on 27 September in connection with four separate armed robbery cases committed on the same day.
Nyathi said Venge allegedly committed the offences together with three accomplices who are still at large.
The group allegedly targeted three complainants at Adlui Farm, Rogate Farm and a local mine while armed with machetes and a pistol.
The suspects allegedly stole two cellphones, a power bank, cash and 200kg of gold-bearing carbon.
Nyathi commended members of the public for providing information that assisted police investigations and led to the arrests.
He urged members of the public to continue reporting suspected criminal activity to the police.
Members of the public can contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197, or report cases at their nearest police station.