Bulawayo Shootout: Police gun down notorious car-jackers in expolosive high speed takedown
Three suspected carjackers were arrested on Monday after a high-stakes shootout with police in Luveve, Bulawayo. The dramatic takedown followed months of terrorizing motorists across the city and beyond, with police linking the trio to multiple armed robberies. The suspects, Moketsi Ndlovu (18), Respect Khumalo (22), and Onias Tembo (19), had been under police surveillance after reports connected them to vehicle thefts in Bulawayo and Gwanda. Acting on a tip-off, detectives tracked them to a hideout near the Roman Catholic Church in Luveve.
However, when law enforcement moved in to make the arrests, the gang opened fire on the police, triggering a gun battle. Despite their efforts to evade capture, they were subdued and taken into custody. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the suspects were involved in at least three major carjackings in recent months, including:
October 1, 2024 – The theft of a Toyota Fun Cargo on Jungle Road, Bulawayo.
November 13, 2024 – A violent armed robbery in Reigate Township where the gang stole a Honda Fit, a cellphone, and cash.
November 20, 2024 – The notorious Chigumira Business Centre heist, where they stole a Ford Ranger at gunpoint.
Following their arrest, police recovered a 9mm FN Browning pistol, three live rounds, and eight spent cartridges.
The stolen Ford Ranger was later found abandoned near a railway crossing in Spitzkop, Gwanda, raising suspicions that the gang might have had escape plans or connections in the area. Police are still searching for a fourth suspect, Elvis Charakupa (41), from Mpopoma, believed to be a key figure in the gang. He remains at large, and authorities are urging members of the public to come forward with any information about his whereabouts.
Anyone with leads is encouraged to contact the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, WhatsApp 0712 800 197, or report to the nearest police station. Authorities have warned that vehicle hijackings and armed robberies are on the rise, with criminal syndicates targeting motorists, often using firearms to threaten victims. Police have urged citizens to be extra cautious and report suspicious activity.
The latest arrests are being hailed as a major breakthrough in law enforcement’s crackdown on carjacking syndicates. However, with one suspect still on the run, the case remains open as investigations continue.
