Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Bulawayo – In a significant breakthrough for local law enforcement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have confirmed the arrest of eight individuals linked to a series of armed robberies that have plagued fuel stations in Bulawayo over the past several months.
The suspects, whose ages range from 24 to 51, have reportedly been involved in multiple incidents of armed robbery since February 2024.
According to a media correspondent issued by Assistant Inspector, the Deputy Provincial ZRP Spokesperson, the arrested suspects include Elvis Charakupa, 40, of Mpopoma; Khulumani Moyo, 51, of Montrose; Mavrick Dube, 32, of Imbizo Barracks; Mongameli Moyo, 27, of Nkunzi Village; Nkosilomusi Dube, 27, of Dumisa Village; Mabhena Qhawe, 43, of Dulibadzimu; Vumani Msipa, 31, of Tungura Village; and Conilias Chigara, 24, of Qxino Village.
The wave of robberies began on February 19, 2024, when a security guard at a local petrol station noticed three suspicious individuals lurking near a precast wall. The guard, believing they posed a threat, sought help from a nearby colleague. However, the situation escalated when the suspects became aggressive, leading to one of them firing shots, injuring the guard in the leg. This incident marked the start of a spree that would terrorize fuel attendants across the city.
On April 22, 2024, at a service station in Kelvin North, two fuel attendants were held at gunpoint by three masked robbers.
“They came in demanding money, and one of them cocked his pistol and fired a shot into the air,” recounted one of the victims, who preferred to remain anonymous.
“We were terrified and had no choice but to comply.”
The robbers made off with approximately USD $900 in cash and valuables.
The situation escalated further on November 10, 2024, when a group of six armed men stormed a service station, ordering attendants to lie down before stealing cash and a cellphone. One attendant was shot in the shoulder during the incident.
“It was horrifying,” said another attendant.
“We never imagined something like this would happen to us.”
The crime spree continued with multiple incidents reported throughout November, including a robbery where armed assailants approached a fuel attendant and demanded cash and valuables at gunpoint. The total value stolen from all reported incidents has been estimated at over USD $5,000 and SAR 120,000, with most items still unrecovered.
Authorities managed to apprehend Charakupa on November 20, 2024, after receiving tips from the community regarding his whereabouts. Following his arrest, Charakupa led police to his accomplices. Two of the vehicles used in the robberies, a blue Nissan Note and a silver Toyota Corolla, were recovered during the operation.
A firearm, believed to be used in the commission of the crimes, was also discovered in the Nissan Note.
“We are thankful to the community for their vigilance and assistance in bringing these criminals to justice,” said a police spokesperson during a press briefing.
“This case is a clear example of how public cooperation plays a crucial role in ensuring safety in our neighborhoods.”
As investigations continue, police are urging fuel attendants to exercise caution and avoid keeping large sums of money on their persons.
“We strongly advise petrol attendants to deposit their cash regularly to minimize losses in the event of a robbery,” the spokesperson added.
The arrests mark a significant step toward restoring safety and security in the city, as residents and business owners alike hope for a decrease in such violent incidents moving forward.
At the time of publishing National ZRP spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi had not responded to question posed regarding the arrest.
Zim GBC News©2024