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Crime Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested 13 suspects, including four who were recently released under the Presidential Amnesty, for committing a spate of criminal activities in Kwekwe.

According to police, the suspects committed unlawful entry and theft cases.

Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Portia Chinho confirmed the arrests yesterday.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police and Criminal Investigation Department (Kwekwe), arrested 13 suspects for unlawful entry into premises and theft cases.

The suspects were targeting shops in the Kwekwe’s Central Business District.

Four of the suspects were recently released from prison on Presidential Amnesty,” she said.

She said following a spate of unlawful entry and theft cases which occurred in and around Kwekwe Town, police embarked on an operation targeting wanted persons and recently released criminals.

“On 15 May 2018, police received information from members of the public that one of the suspects was seen selling suspected stolen goods.

“Acting on the information, police conducted investigations and searches which led to the arrest of four suspects.

The four implicated other suspects and a total of 13 suspects were arrested during the process,” Detective Asst Insp Chinho said.

She said the suspects stole household goods and clothes worth over $20 000 and a total of $18 000 was recovered.

“Police would like to encourage the business community to install alarm systems at their premises as these gadgets act as both deterrent and alerting devices.

“On the same note, the public is being encouraged to continue cooperating by supplying information that will assist in apprehending offenders,” she said.

Detective Asst Insp Chinho said anyone with information that could assist them with investigations should contact CID Kwekwe on (05525) 20567, any nearest police station, or the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631.

Last weekend, newly-appointed CID director Senior Assistant Commissioner Stephen Mutamba declared war on all criminals, saying the force will not hesitate to use minimum force in terms of the law on anyone who shoots at officers in order to evade arrest.

He challenged all detectives to ensure that businesses and investors operate in a crime-free environment and criminals are not given any breeding space.