The Police Arrested Three Armed Robbery Suspects In Dramatic Bulawayo Shootout

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has successfully arrested three armed suspects allegedly involved in a series of armed robberies targeting vehicles on the Bulawayo-Gwanda road.

The arrests, which occurred on November 25, 2024, followed an intense shootout in the Luveve suburb of Bulawayo. The suspects, identified as Moketsi Ndlovu (18), Respect Khumalo (22), and Onias Tembo (19), had reportedly been evading law enforcement since July 2024.

Acting on reliable intelligence, a specialized police task force tracked the suspects to their hideout. Upon arrival, the suspects opened fire on the officers, leading to a dramatic exchange of gunfire. Eventually, the police subdued the trio, disarming them and taking them into custody.

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Weapons and Evidence Recovered

police in a shootout — The police arrested armed robbery suspects in shootout-Image Source@iStock

During the operation, law enforcement officials recovered critical evidence, including a 9 mm FN Browning pistol loaded with three live rounds, alongside eight spent cartridges. These items are believed to have been used in the suspects’ criminal activities.

Robberies Linked to the Suspects

Preliminary investigations have tied the suspects to several armed robbery cases, including:

October 1, 2024: A Toyota Fun Cargo (registration AEA 5078) was hijacked after being hired from Bulawayo CBD to Harrisville.
November 13, 2024: A Honda Fit (registration ADU 1198), a cellphone, ZAR 500, and USD 15 were stolen during a robbery in Reigate Township, Bulawayo.
November 20, 2024: A Ford Ranger (registration AFN 6255) was taken during a robbery at Chigumira Business Centre in Bulawayo. The vehicle was later recovered at a railway crossing in Spitzkop, Gwanda.

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Search Ongoing for Fourth Suspect

Authorities have launched a manhunt for a fourth suspect, Elvis Charakupa (41), who remains at large. Charakupa’s last known address is 96/7878 Mpopoma, Bulawayo. The ZRP is appealing to the public for assistance in locating him. Individuals with information are urged to contact the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, send a WhatsApp message to 0712 800 197, or report to the nearest police station.