Snr Asst Comm Charamba

Freeman Razemba Crime Reporter
Three suspected armed robbers who were masquerading as police and army officers have been arrested in Zaka and Chiredzi after committing a spate of robberies.

The three — Energy Jonasi (20), Knowledge Jonasi (23) and Matron Makamba (30) were arrested on Tuesday, while the fourth suspect identified as Shepherd Makamba (39) is still at large.

Police recovered two vehicles — a blue Toyota Ipsum and a blue Nissan Hardbody — five police shirts, a pair of police trousers, jerseys, three police riot caps, three army camouflage shirts, one camouflage jersey and two pairs of army trousers that were illegally procured.

Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba on Thursday, confirmed the arrest and said most of the armed robberies were committed between May 16 and August 14.

“These suspects were masquerading as police and army officers, committing a spate of armed robberies,’’ she said. Further, searches which were conducted led to the recovering of two vehicles which they were using as their getaway cars when committing these armed robberies.”

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said police also recovered five cameras, five cellphones, five Ipads and binoculars.

“Investigations have revealed that the total value (of goods) stolen was $65 550 and the total value recovered is $15 000.

“The suspects committed many more cases of which six have so far been cleared. Three pistols and another satchel containing ZRP uniforms have not been recovered.”

Snr Asst Comm Charamba urged members of the public who could have fallen victim to the suspects to contact CID detectives in Masvingo, Chiredzi and Mwenezi to identify their property and assist with investigations.

“Criminals are strongly warned that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them, she said. Police are also appealing to anyone with information leading to the arrest of Shepherd Makamba to contact any nearest police station or the National Complaints desk on (04) 703631,” she said.