ZRP Arrests Three Suspects in Armed Robbery Cases

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested three men in connection with a series of armed robbery cases reported in Ruwa, Harare and Rusape, recovering cash, firearms, ammunition and other items allegedly linked to the crimes.

The suspects have been identified as Tinei Makaripé (47), Pungurai Mukambachaza (47) and Gabriel Mukambachaza (41), according to a police statement dated September 15, 2026.

Police said the arrests followed an armed robbery at a company in Borders Estate, Ruwa, on September 13 at about 3am. The suspects and accomplices who remain at large allegedly attacked and restrained company workers before stealing US$108,000 in cash.

Suspect apprehended after attempted escape

According to the ZRP, Makaripé was apprehended by workers after allegedly falling while attempting to climb over the company's perimeter wall as the suspects fled.

He was subsequently handed over to police.

Detectives later arrested Pungurai Mukambachaza in Damaffalls Phase 1, Harare, where police recovered US$4,900, which they said had been hidden in his vehicle.

Gabriel Mukambachaza was arrested at his rural home in Rusape.

Police said they recovered US$5,000, two pistols, a Star pistol loaded with seven rounds, a Tokarev pistol loaded with seven rounds, handcuffs, fuse cables, explosives and three balaclavas during the arrest.

Suspects linked to earlier robberies

Police said investigations have linked the suspects to several other armed robbery cases.

The recovered Tokarev pistol was reportedly established to have been stolen during an armed robbery at a steel company in Southerton, Harare, on March 12, 2026.

The suspects are also being linked to a robbery at a beverages company in Rusape on January 26, 2026, during which US$39,828, a Star pistol loaded with five rounds, pepper spray, handcuffs and three mobile phones were allegedly stolen.

Another robbery at a steel company along Tilbury Road, Southerton, on March 12 allegedly resulted in the theft of US$14,118.

Police said the alleged accomplices — identified as Khule Diva, Mambo Dhuterere, Kasongo and Senior Gama — remain at large.

Police also seek information in Bulawayo murder

In the same statement, police appealed for information relating to a separate murder and armed robbery in Bulawayo.

Police said unidentified suspects shot and killed Tadius Runtahire, 52, near a service station along JMN Nkomo Street between Fourth and Third Avenue on September 14.

Runtahire, who was reportedly a businessman, had just closed his shop and was walking towards his son's vehicle when he was attacked. Police said the suspects fled with a bag containing US$10,000.

The cases remain under investigation.

The ZRP is appealing to anyone with information to report to their nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631. Information can also be submitted via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.

The arrests represent a significant development in investigations into the robbery cases, but the suspects remain accused persons and will have the right to due process through the courts.

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