A GANG of robbers armed with axes have been terrorising villagers in Mvuma, the Midlands province, raping and robbing them of their cash at night, Southern Eye has learnt.
Provincial police spokesperson Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed that a total of nine cases of rape and robbery were reported to the police and investigations were instituted.
“The general public is informed of the arrest of three suspects in connection with a spate of robbery and rape cases committed during the month of October 2024 in Central Estates and Moffat business centre area, Mvuma,” Mahoko said.
The arrested suspects are Edward Nhokwara (20) of Inkosi Farm in Chivhu, Devine Nyasha Gapu (19) and Emmanuel Mavhundutse (22) of Kubatana Village, Gutu.
According to the police, the violent gang would pounce on the villagers at night, threatening them with an axe while demanding cash and other valuables.
“They would also rape the female victims after robbing them of their property. Hell broke loose on them on February 27 when Gapu and Mavhundutse boarded a haulage truck in Chivhu town on their way to Mavise, Mvuma, along the Harare-Masvingo Highway,” Mahoko said.
“Upon boarding off the truck, Gapu snatched the driver’s wallet which had US$290, R400 and identity documents. The suspects then ran into a nearby bush.
“Investigations were made, leading to the arrest of Gapu and Mavhundutse in Chivhu. They then implicated Nhokwara, who was also later arrested.”
- News in depth: Partisan police force persecutes opposition, shields Zanu PF rogue elements
- Chamisa chilling death threat bishop defiant
- NMB workers take on employer
- News in depth: Partisan police force persecutes opposition, shields Zanu PF rogue elements
Keep Reading
He said investigations continued, resulting in them being linked to a spate of nine cases of rape and robbery.
Property worth US$1 095 was stolen and only US$271 was recovered.
The suspects appeared in court on Monday, where Gapu and Mavhundutse were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each.
The remaining suspect, Nhokwara, was been remanded to a later date waiting for sentencing.
