Five arrested for armed mine robbery

Five men have been arrested in connection with a brazen armed robbery at a mine in Mberengwa, where security personnel were disarmed and shotguns, ammunition and thousands of dollars in cash were stolen, National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi has said.

The suspects- Trueman Joseph Kumo (50), Tinashe Rungano Chinodya (39), Calvinias Zhou (58), Polite Moyo (26) and Hamfry Mbosini Mpofu (25), allegedly pounced on the mine on 30 October 2026, armed with two pistols, axes and shovels.

According to Commissioner Nyathi, the gang attacked the complainants, overpowered security guards on duty and made off with three shotgun rifles loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition, along with USD 16 500 in cash.

“Police have since recovered five spent cartridges and the three stolen shotgun rifles from the suspects.

“The arrests follow a swift investigation into the armed robbery, and the suspects are expected to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

The recovery of the spent cartridges and the stolen firearms marks a significant breakthrough in the case, which underscored the growing threat of armed gangs targeting mining operations.

“The ZRP confirms the arrest of the five suspects in connection with this case, and investigations are continuing.”

Commissioner Nyathi urged members of the public to continue supplying information that leads to the arrest of criminals and the recovery of stolen property.

The suspects remain in police custody pending further investigations and are expected to appear in court soon.

In an unrelated incident, a 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft of a Honda Fit vehicle from a house in Chitungwiza

Police confirmed the recovery of the stolen car and its battery, which had already been sold.

Munenyasha Mutasa was arrested on 31 October 2026 after police acted on a tip-off.

The suspect allegedly stole the vehicle, which had been parked at the complainant’s residence, on 30 November 2026.

Police have since recovered the stolen vehicle, as well as the vehicle’s battery, which had already been sold off.

The arrest and recovery come as police continue to urge members of the public to report suspicious activity and supply information that leads to the arrest of criminals and the recovery of stolen property.

Mutasa remains in police custody pending further investigations and is expected to appear in court soon.