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Crime Reporter
POLICE have intensified investigations into the case in which a foreign currency dealer was shot dead and three others injured when two armed robbers pounced on them at Ngundu Business Centre in Chivi on Boxing Day. One suspect, Isaac Mlambo Kuhocha (23), has since been arrested in connection with the case, while his accomplice, Mike Sithole of Chipinge who had erroneously been reported as arrested, is still at large.

Police investigations have so far revealed that Sithole could be hiding in the Chipinge area.
National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi yesterday said they had recovered a pistol, a bag, R11 319, US$77 and 27 Buddie airtime cards and six Easycall cards following Kuhocha’s arrest.

“Investigations on the case are still in progress and we are still looking for the other suspect who is still at large,” he said.
Chief Supt Nyathi said the deceased, who was identified as Trust Tapera Chibaya (28), was shot in the shoulder and died on the spot.

He said Justin Moyo (30) had his left ear grazed by a bullet, Kudakwashe Nyamayevhu (30) was shot twice in the waist and once in the right leg while Samuel Gwanhema (36) was shot once in the back.

It has since been established that Gwanhema and Chanda were taken to Masvingo General Hospital and not Chiredzi District Hospital as reported earlier.

They are both said to be in critical condition, while Moyo was treated and discharged at Ngundu Clinic.
The robbery, which left the small community shocked, occurred at around 7.25am on Thursday.

The victims, who supplement their foreign currency dealings by selling airtime, conducted their business at the business centre.
Chief Supt Nyathi said the four were confronted by the robbers at Mapuvire Service Station and were ordered to surrender their cash.
He said the victims then ran in different directions, resulting in the robbers firing shots which hit them.

“Some members of the public and the police then gave chase,” said Chief Supt Nyathi. “Kuhocha was arrested after he had hidden in a nearby mountain.”

Chief Supt Nyathi applauded the public for continuing to support the police when carrying out their duties.