POLICE have arrested eight suspects linked to a series of armed robberies that plagued Bulawayo between February and November this year.
The suspects, aged between 24 and 51, are accused of targeting fuel service stations, businesses and private homes, making off with cash, cellphones and other valuables.
In a statement this weekend, ZRP national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, identified the suspects as Elvis Charakupa (40), Khulumani Moyo (51), Mavrick Dube (32), Mongameli Moyo (27), Nkosilomusi Dube (27), Mabhena Qhawe (43), Vumani Msipa (31) and Conilias Chigara (24).
Nyathi said on November 20 this year, police arrested Charakupa at a residence in Mpopoma following a tip-off.
During questioning, he implicated Dube and Mongameli, who were subsequently arrested in Bulawayo and Tsholotsho, respectively.
The remaining suspects, including Nkosilomusi, Qhawe, Msipa and Chigara, were detained at Beitbridge Tollgate along the Gwanda-Beitbridge Road.
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Investigators recovered a 0.32 caliber pistol with eight rounds of ammunition, along with two getaway vehicles.
The suspects are alleged to be involved in at least 10 armed robberies, including an incident at a fuel service station in Kelvin North on April 22 this year, where US$550 and a cellphone were stolen.
The alleged suspects are also believed to have been involved in another robbery at a service station along Market Road on November 10, 2024, which resulted in a loss of US$600.
Additionally, investigators are looking into a robbery that took place on November 17 this year at a residence in Nkulumane 5, where R120 000 and two cellphones were stolen.