Beitbridge, Zimbabwe: The Police Detectives in Beitbridge apprehended five men who are suspected to be an armed robbery syndicate that unleashed a reign of terror around the district in the last five months.
The detectives busted the gang on Tuesday, Jan 16, 2024. The cops caught the men in the evening in the border town after a deep search and investigation.
The Acting Police Officer who is currently commanding the Beitbridge District – Superintendent Philisani Ndebele, confirmed the developments on Wednesday.
He stated that they arrested them on Tuesday and are now assisting the police with investigations related to a number of armed robberies that have been occurring in the district.
He said that they cannot give out more information as the finalisation of the investigation from their side is still pending.
Following the arrest, the Beitbridge magistrate granted the police more time to investigate a series of armed robberies on Jan 17, 2024.
The police then successfully applied for more time to interrogate and investigate the case before the resident magistrate – Takudzwa Gwazemba.
Ronal Mugwagwa, who led the State, argued on behalf of the police and said that the police needed more time to make investigations, recoveries and indications since they did not have enough time with the suspects.
The suspected men are identified as Brilliant Gibbons, Ngonidzashe Dzumbunu, Siphelani Urayai, James Ndou and Reluctance Ndou. The armed police detectives escorted the five men to the court.
Reportedly, the courtyard was filled with members of the community and motorists, some of whom had fallen victim to the gang’s suspected criminal activities.
The gang hired defence lawyers who were led by Muchiwande Sithole of Chauke and Associates, but they failed to stop the magistrate from issuing a warrant of further detention. The gang is expected to appear in court in the next two days.