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Crime Reporter

Ten of the 13 armed robbers believed to be involved in a shootout with security guards before stealing nearly 12kg of gold from a cash-in-transit vehicle from How Mine in Bulawayo have fled to South Africa.

Three were arrested.

The incident occurred near the 22km peg along the Bulawayo-How Mine Road. Sources close to the investigations said they believe the gold was smuggled to South Africa and it was sold yesterday.

The police crack team have since roped in Interpol to assist with investigations.

On Wednesday, National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Antony Moyo (39), Wilson Mutandwa (24) and Ernest Mutandwa (30) in connection with an armed robbery case which occurred on the 4th of October 2022 at the 21 km peg along Bulawayo-How Mine Road,” he said.

On the same day police received information that some of the stolen items were abandoned at a house under construction along Folly Road, West Summerton, Bulawayo.

Detectives reacted to the report and recovered, car keys, 3 x 9mmm spent cartridges, a black glove, a 303 rifle loaded with eight live rounds and three empty metal boxes.

Further investigations by the police established that the South African registered Nissan NP 300 single cab vehicle, registration number HR30XJGP, which was abandoned by the suspects at the scene, belongs to Ximba Nkosilathi, also known as Tonderai Vumbunu and was at times seen being driven by Antony Moyo.

“Police arrested Antony Moyo who implicated Wilson Mutandwa and Earnest Mutandwa, who were subsequently arrested,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

Earnest Mutandwa was arrested in Beitbridge while attempting to flee to South Africa.

The suspects’ accomplices who include Abraham Vumbunu, Elijah Vumbunu, Israel Zulu, Diva (no further particulars known) and six other unknown suspects are on the run.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspects.

Anyone with information should contact National Complaints Desk on (242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800197 or Bulawayo Operations on (242) 7488 36 or report at any nearest police station.