A man suspected of involvement in a string of armed robberies in Chimanimani has been arrested following a tip-off and a joint effort involving community members, the National Anti-Corruption Association of Zimbabwe (NACAZ) and police.
NACAZ said its members received information on June 12 that five residents of Mwaguta Village under Chief Mutambara had been robbed near Nhedziwa Growth Point between the Veterinary Offices and Matendeudze Primary School.
According to NACAZ, four men armed with knives allegedly robbed the victims of cash, mobile phones and other valuables between 7:30pm and 11pm on June 11. Some of the complainants reportedly sustained stab wounds during the incidents.
NACAZ said one of its members mobilised residents after receiving intelligence that a suspect had been spotted at the shopping centre. The suspect was apprehended and taken to ZRP Nhedziwa Base.
The suspect, identified as Taziwei Brian Mbwizu, of the Chitakatira area under Chief Zimunya in Mutare, was later identified by some complainants, NACAZ said.
Police recovered a knife believed to have been used during the robberies, according to the organisation.
Keep Reading
NACAZ said detectives from CID Mutare attended the scene and the suspect was subsequently transferred to Mutare for further investigations.
Following the arrest, hundreds of residents reportedly gathered at Nhedziwa Police Base, where they commended police and NACAZ for their response.
NACAZ deputy director of operations Alvine Makufa said the arrest highlighted the importance of community policing and information sharing in combating crime.
“We will continue supporting law enforcement agencies through community-based intelligence gathering and crime prevention initiatives,” Makufa said.
NACAZ secretary-general Aluwis Dakura also praised police officers involved in the operation, describing their response as professional and swift.
The organisation commended the complainants for assisting investigators and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting crime-fighting efforts at community level.