‘Mambo Dhuterere’ Wanted In Armed Robberies Is Not Gospel Musician, Police Clarify
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has clarified the confusion surrounding the identity of a suspect wanted in connection with a series of armed robberies after his alias, “Mambo Dhuterere”, was mistaken for that of a popular gospel musician.
Police said the wanted suspect is a criminal who uses the name and has no connection to Zimbabwean musician Darlington Mutseta, popularly known as Mambo Dhuterere.
Also Read: US$108K Robbery Lands 2 Harare Men In Court After Dramatic Chase
Police Clear Up Identity
The clarification came on Tuesday night after the name appeared in an earlier police statement listing suspects still at large.
With no further identifying details provided, the mention of “Mambo Dhuterere” quickly triggered speculation on social media that the wanted suspect could be Mutseta.
The musician subsequently reacted to the situation and joked about the possibility of abandoning his stage name.
“Mmmmm rawandirwa Zita rakuda kuchinjwa iri… kwanana Mambo Dhuterere vehuruweki futi… Kana ndimi Manuwero…”
Police later issued a follow-up statement to clear up the confusion.
“Reference is made to the ZRP press statement regarding the arrest of Tinei Makaripe (47), Pungurayi Mukumbachaza and Gabriel Mukumbachaza (41) in connection with a series of armed robbery cases in Ruwa, Rusape and Harare. The ZRP clarifies that one of the outstanding suspects referred to as ‘Mambo Dhuterere’ is not the Zimbabwean musician known by that name,” police clarified.
Commissioner Paul Nyathi later reinforced the clarification, saying the wanted individual was simply a criminal using the musician’s name.
“It is a criminal using the name Mambo Dhuterere, and it’s not the musician who is wanted,” Nyathi said.
US$108 000 Ruwa Robbery
The robbery investigation involves a 13 September 2026 robbery at a company in Borders Estate, Ruwa, where suspects allegedly made off with US$108 000.
Workers were reportedly attacked and restrained during the robbery.
Makaripe was apprehended by workers following the incident before being taken into police custody. Investigations then led officers to another suspect in Damofalls Phase 1.
The three arrested men are now facing allegations linked to a wider series of armed robberies.
Earlier Rusape Robbery Under Investigation
Police have also linked the suspects to an earlier robbery at a beverages company in Rusape.
In that case, the gang allegedly escaped with nearly US$40 000, a loaded pistol and other valuables.
The investigations also cover cases reported in Southerton, Harare, with the criminal offences dating back to January and March this year.
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