Brian Rungano Temba
Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of a dangerous and notorious syndicate of robbers.
The gang of seven was apprehended on July 3 after a series of hectic shootouts with the police.
One of the robbers died during the exchanges of fire.
In a statement, Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police received a tip-off ton the whereabouts of the gang.
“Police eecieved confirmation that one of the robbery gang leaders Godfrey Josi (41) was in Damafalls.
A crack team was dispatched to raid the suspects who was caught after a scuffle with the police. He was shot in the leg during the shootout,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
At the point of his arrest Josi was armed with a revolver.
Josi gave up his accomplices; Richard Mutanga (40), Zvidozvashe Zuda (35), Peter Mushupe (40), Valentine Mutasa (30), Benjamin Musasa (39) -who is now deceased- and Decide Rice.
The poliçe went on to raid Mutanga in Unit O, Seke, Chitungwiza where the police recovered the gang’s getaway.
Zuda was arrested at Kuwadzana Roundabout where he was armed with an air pistol.
Mushipe was followed to Stoneridge area by police detectives where he was caught after a failed attempt to escape. He too was armed with a shotgun by the time of his arrest.
Mutasa was involved in a shootout with the police in Glenwood Park Epworth leading to him getting shot in the left hip.
On him was a 303 rifle which was recovered when he was arrested.
The second leader of the gang, Rice was lured to Greendale Harare by the police detectives.
He came in the company of Musasa and they hid in the maize field at the corner of Latima Road and Harare Drive.
A shootout transpired between the duo and the police detectives leading to Musasa getting shot and Rice making a run for it during the exchange.
“The injured suspect was taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital where his died in admission,” the police statement read.
An accomplice of the robbery gang was also apprehended, Juliet Gavaza (37) who is the wife to ring leader Josi.
“Investigations revealed that she was married to Godfrey Josi and had a house, Stand number 17704 Rockview, Zengeza 5, Chitungwiza which was bought and registered in her name.
It was bought from the proceeds of the armed robbery cases committed in and outside Harare,” read the statement.
“She is facing charges of Contravening Section 8 of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act Chapter 9:24.
The police secured all the transaction documents related to this house,” further read the Statement.
Of the past crimes the seven armed robbers committed Police have established that they are responsible for the case at Gateway High School on March 28, 2021 where $28 000 USD was stolen.
The robbery in Muzari Surburb in Chinhoyi on January 12, 2021 was traced to the seven where $60 000 USD was taken.
A robbery at University of Zimbabwe Farm Compound on May 10, 2021 where $20 000 USD was stolen was linked to the same gang.
The most recent was the robbery of $19 000 USD from a Beatrice Farmer who had just delivered his potatoes to Mbare Musika on June 29, 2021.
“Police have also established that, Mushupe, Josi, Valentine and the deceased Benjamin Mutasa had several cases of armed robbery and warrants of arrest which were pending before courts.
Valentine Mutasa has a pending murder case in Nembudziya, Gokwe and a robbery case in Kadoma,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
“ZRP reiterates its position and That of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, that armed robbers will be dealt with decisively.
ZRP urges the public to continue supplying information on all robbers so that the law may take its course,” he added.
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