Police in Harare have arrested five suspected armed robbers who were targetting mainly churches in and around Harare between March and July this year.
In a statement this Thursday, national police spokesperson, Assitant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said some of the suspects were arrested at Glenview Shopping Centre following a shootout. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of John Chizhanje (47), Panashe Kaseke (18), Ephraim Douglas Dube (54), Emmanuel Munemo (32) and Lazarus Mhishi (43) for a spate of robbery cases targeting mainly churches in and around Harare between March and July 2022.
On 18th July 2022, detectives acted on a tip-off and arrested John Chizhanje who implicated, Panashe Kaseke, Ephraim Dube, Emmanuel Munemo, Lazarus Mhizhi, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa alias Umbro, Kalisto Mavhima, Shonhiwa Mujuru, Brian Murape, and three other suspects only identified as TK, Sabelo as well as Eazy.
The Police tracked the suspects to Glenview Shopping Centre where they arrested Panashe Kaseke, Ephraim Douglas Dube, Emmanuel Munemo and Lazarus Mhishi after a shootout.
A Girsan 9mm Parabellum pistol loaded with a magazine of two rounds and a spent cartridge was recovered at the scene.
The suspects are clearing six robbery cases which occurred at different churches in Harare and another case where they pounced at a company in Highlands before stealing US$180 000 cash, eight cellphones and three laptops on 2nd March 2022.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified operations targeting robbery syndicates around the country.
The Police assures the public that they will account for all robbery suspects and ensure the law takes its course.