Armed robber arrested while consulting traditional healer for magic muti
One of the eight suspected armed robbers who have been terrorizing Harare residents, churches, and businesses has been arrested while allegedly undergoing spiritual deliverance at a traditional healer’s house in Glenview 1.
Police have now arrested all eight suspects, who are linked to 12 robbery cases, including a major heist involving US$30,000 stolen from a company in Workington, Harare.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s press statement released on November 4, 2024, on the arrest of Spencer Mapfumo aged 42, Patrick Chibaba alias Mupositori aged 38, Tarwirei Madzudzu alias Mukanya aged 50, Paddington Meki aged 44 and Washington Marunze aged 36 in connection with seven cases of armed robbery, including one incident which occurred on October 28, 2024, at Dinwoo Investments, Workington, Harare where US$30,000 cash was stolen.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of three additional suspects in connection with the armed robbery cases. The suspects are Sydney Chemhere alias Seedza aged 42, Tinotenda Mabhandi alias Timbobo aged 38, and Munyaradzi Gadzikwa aged 36,” said Nyathi.
On November 11, 2024, detectives arrested Chemhere in Glenview 7, Harare, leading to the recovery of eight Emex explosives and three fuse cables. Tinotenda Mabhandi was apprehended at Makomva Shops in Glenview, while Gadzikwa was caught two days later during a spiritual session.
The suspects are linked to multiple robberies between July and October 2024. These include a church robbery in Budiriro 5B on July 31, where US$2,599, a cellphone, and passports were stolen, and an August 18 house robbery in Ruwa, where US$2,300 cash was taken.
They are also implicated in an October 3 robbery at a private security firm in Avondale, Harare, where cash, firearms, and live ammunition were stolen. Investigations are ongoing.
