Zimpapers Logo

Crime Reporter 

TWO suspected armed robbers who were part of a gang that raided a homestead in Mphoengs, Matabeleland South Province on the pretext that they were selling gold before robbing the victim of US$220, have been arrested.

Cosmas Boyizi (32) and Tapiwa Ncube (27) were arrested on Tuesday following investigations by police. 

The armed robbery occurred on June 13. 

Two of their accomplices remain at large and police are still looking for them. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.

“The two suspects and their two other accomplices who are still at large, robbed the victim aged 23 of US$220 cash after approaching him at his home pretending to be selling gold.  

“Investigations are underway,” he said. It is alleged the gang produced a pistol before demanding cash from the victim, who then surrendered the money. The robbers then disappeared and a report was made to the police. 

The arrests come as police are investigating cases in which two women lost more than US$16 800 to armed robbers in Chitungwiza and Beitbridge in separate incidents. 

No arrests have been made so far but police continue to encourage citizens not to keep large sums of money at home or business premises.

On June 13, a Chitungwiza woman aged 47 lost US$6 800 cash and US$760 worth of property to five armed robbers wearing balaclavas after they attacked two victims who were sleeping in separate bedrooms after gaining entry into the house.

They demanded cash which the victims surrendered before they ransacked the house. 

The robbers disappeared and a report was made to police. 

In Beitbridge, a 33-year-old woman lost US$10 000 cash to two robbers she had offered accommodation for the night.

The two asked for accommodation on the pretext they wanted to buy a vehicle that the woman and her husband were selling.

The couple had advertised on various social media platforms that they were selling one of their cars resulting in the two robbers approaching them.