ZRP Clarifies: Suspect Named Mambo Dhuterere Is Not the Musician
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has clarified that a wanted suspect identified as “Mambo Dhuterere” in an armed robbery investigation is not the Zimbabwean musician who uses the same name.
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Republic Police has moved to clarify the identity of one of the suspects wanted in connection with a series of armed robbery cases after his name was published as “Mambo Dhuterere”, the same name used by a well-known Zimbabwean musician.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, September 15, police said the individual referred to as Mambo Dhuterere in its earlier press statement is not the Zimbabwean musician known by that name.
The clarification follows the publication of details concerning the arrest of three men — Tinei Makaripé, 47, Pungurayi Mukumbachaza, 47, and Gabriel Mukumbachaza, 41 — in connection with armed robbery investigations spanning Ruwa, Harare and Rusape.
Name causes confusion
According to the ZRP, Mambo Dhuterere is among four alleged accomplices who remain at large, alongside Khule Diva, Kasongo and Senior Gama.
The police clarification appears intended to prevent the public from confusing the wanted suspect with the musician who performs under the same name.
Police did not provide further details about the identity of the outstanding suspect in its clarification.
Three suspects arrested
The original police statement said the three arrested men are being investigated in connection with a number of armed robbery cases.
Police allege that on September 13, suspects and their accomplices attacked a company at Borders Estate in Ruwa and escaped with US$108,000 after allegedly assaulting and restraining workers.
Makaripé was reportedly caught by workers after falling while attempting to climb the company's perimeter wall.
Investigators subsequently arrested Mukumbachaza in Harare, where police said US$4,900 was recovered from his vehicle.
Gabriel Mukumbachaza was arrested at his rural home in Rusape, where detectives reportedly recovered US$5,000, two pistols, ammunition, handcuffs, fuse cables, explosives and three balaclavas, according to the police statement.
Police link suspects to earlier robberies
The ZRP said investigations have also linked the suspects to earlier robbery cases, including an incident at a beverages company in Rusape in January in which US$39,828 and other items were allegedly stolen.
Police also cited a March robbery at a steel company in Southerton, Harare, where US$14,118 was reportedly stolen.
A Tokarev pistol recovered during the investigation was also reportedly identified as having been stolen during the March Southerton robbery.
Police appeal for information
The four alleged accomplices named by police remain wanted.
The ZRP has urged anyone with information that could assist investigators to report it to the nearest police station or through its National Complaints Desk.
The police clarification about Mambo Dhuterere underscores the importance of verifying identities in criminal reporting, particularly where an accused person's name is identical or similar to that of a public figure.
The musician named Mambo Dhuterere has not been identified by police as being involved in these robbery cases.
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