Story by Peter Chivhima, Courts Reporter
SEVEN suspected armed robbers who were terrorising people in and around Chinhoyi have been arrested.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed that the accused are Prince Dube, Maxwell Karoterote, Dennis Tshuma, Lyod Makiwa, Maxwell Sikanyika, Tinashe Gandawa and Brian Bhamu.
The accused are facing five counts of armed robbery, rape, unlawful entry and theft, which occurred in Chinhoyi, Kadoma and Mhangura between the 10th and 24th this month.
According to the police, detectives from Chinhoyi received information on the 23rd of this month that the suspects were seen sharing groceries suspected to have been stolen.
The arrest led to the recovery of their gateway car and weapons, which include machetes, knives and a pellet gun, as well household property.
The suspects are also linked to several rape cases which include one that they allegedly committed in Chinhoyi on the 10th of this month where they robbed a couple before they allegedly raped the victim’s wife.
The suspects are also linked to a robbery which took place on the 16th of January in Mhangura where a family lost a vehicle and US$1 000.
The suspects are also linked to the robbery case which took place in Kadoma on the 18th where they allegedly stole a Toyota Runx vehicle and more than US$500.
Police investigations indicate that the suspects would recruit informers of close relatives for their targets who would supply information on the current financial status of the victims and then pounce on them.
