The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested three suspects in connection with a series of armed robberies in Ruwa, Rusape and Harare, with detectives recovering cash, two pistols, ammunition and other items allegedly linked to the crimes.
In a statement yesterday, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Tinei Makaripe (47), Pungurayi Mukumbachaza and Gabriel Mukambachaza (41) were arrested following investigations into the robberies, while several suspected accomplices remain on the run.
“On 13th September 2026 at around 0030 hours, the suspects and their accomplices, who are still at large, allegedly pounced at a company at Borders Estate, Ruwa and stole US$108 000 cash after attacking and restraining company workers,” Nyathi said.
Makaripe was apprehended by company workers as the suspects fled the scene after he allegedly fell while attempting to scale the perimeter wall before being handed over to police.
“Further investigations by the detectives led to the arrest of Pungurai Mukumbachaza in Damofalls Phase 1, Harare and the recovery of US$4 900 which had been hidden in the suspect’s vehicle,” Nyathi said.
Detectives subsequently arrested Gabriel Mukambachaza at his rural home in Rusape, where they recovered US$5 000, two pistols and ammunition.
“The other suspect, Gabriel Mukambachaza was arrested at his rural home in Rusape, where detectives recovered US$5 000.00, two pistols, a Star pistol loaded with one round and a Tokarev pistol loaded with seven rounds, as well as handcuffs, fuse cables, explosives and three balaclavas,” Nyathi said.
He said investigations had established that the recovered Tokarev pistol was allegedly stolen during an armed robbery at a steel company in Southerton on March 12, 2026.
Police are also linking the suspects to four other armed robbery cases, including a January 26 robbery at a beverages company in Rusape, where US$39 828, a Star pistol loaded with five rounds, pepper spray, handcuffs and three cellphones were allegedly stolen.
“Another case occurred at a steel company along Tilbury Road, Southerton, on March 12, where US$14 118 was stolen. Suspected accomplices identified as Khule Diva, Mambo Dhuterere, Kasongo and Senior Gama remained at large,” the Commissioner added.
Meanwhile, police are appealing for information following a murder and armed robbery in Bulawayo on September 14.
“Three unidentified suspects shot dead the victim, Tadius Rutanhire (52) with a pistol before fleeing with his bag containing US$10 000,” Nyathi said.
Nyathi urged anyone with information to report to the nearest police station.
