In a significant development in the ongoing battle against armed robbery, two notorious armed robbers were fatally shot by police on Sunday.
This incident highlights the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s (ZRP) unwavering commitment to curbing violent crime across the country.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the operation, identifying the deceased as Aleck Moyo (37) and Bongani Tshuma (41).
According to Nyathi, the detectives from CID Homicide Bulawayo had received a tip-off regarding the suspects’ hideout in a bushy area between Mpilo Central Hospital and Richmond.
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“The detectives acted swiftly on the information, conducting a raid at the location. Upon arrival, the suspects opened fire on the officers, leading to a shootout. The detectives, in return, overpowered the assailants, resulting in the recovery of a Cannic pistol with a magazine of four rounds and an Astra Revolver with two rounds,” Nyathi stated.
Both suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation and were rushed to United Bulawayo Group of Hospitals, where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.
Commissioner Nyathi further revealed that Moyo and Tshuma had been linked to a series of five armed robbery cases occurring between March 6 and July 29 of this year.
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Among these was a robbery on May 7 at Phatalika Village, Nyangazonke Sunyetsen, where the criminals made off with household goods, a Honda CVR (registration number AEA 9034), and a Toyota Surf (registration number ABC 6251).
The duo was also implicated in a recent robbery on July 29, 2024, in Old Nkulumane 12, Bulawayo. In this case, a Honda Fit (registration number ADX 7925) and three cell phones were stolen.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there will be no leniency in the fight against armed robbery in the country. The crack teams established by the ZRP command remain vigilant and are determined to enforce the law without fear or favor,” Nyathi emphasized.
