A highly skilled team of female homicide detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department’s (CID) Nehanda Team has become a significant threat to criminal gangs in Harare.
Known for their relentless pursuit of justice, this special unit has been successfully apprehending robbers who have been terrorizing local residents and businesses.
Operating under CID’s Women’s Network, the new team has made a substantial impact in Harare, instilling fear among criminals. Over the weekend, four detectives from this elite group confronted an Epworth-based robbery syndicate.
After a gunfight, one suspect was killed, and several others were arrested with the help of reinforcements, including male colleagues. The operation led to the recovery of firearms and ammunition used in various crimes.
The apprehended suspects are linked to ten robbery cases, including a heist on May 16, 2022, at a Harare security company, where US$142,995 and six firearms were stolen. Another robbery tied to the suspects occurred on March 2, 2024, at Chinhamo Service Station, resulting in a loss of US$10,650.
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The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrest of Thembinkosi Matutu (47) and Batsirai Hutsi (21) and the death of Norest Prosper Mutambudzi (48) after a shootout in Epworth on July 18. The arrests followed those of several other gang members connected to robberies in Harare and surrounding areas from May 2022 to April 2024.
On July 17, 2024, female detectives from CID Homicide, acting on a tip-off, arrested Thembinkosi Matutu at his residence in Chinamano Extension, Epworth. Matutu implicated his accomplices, Mutambudzi and Hutsi. Matutu lured Mutambudzi to Domboramwari in Epworth, where detectives had set up an ambush. A shootout ensued, resulting in Mutambudzi being shot in the abdomen. He was later pronounced dead at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. A 9mm pistol with three live rounds and two spent cartridges were recovered at the scene.
Hutsi was arrested the following day at Muza Shopping Area in Epworth after another shootout. This led to the recovery of additional firearms, including a magazine with eight 9mm rounds, a .38 special Smith and Wesson revolver, and a 9mm Llama pistol.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized the police’s commitment to combating armed robbery. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robbery cases in the country. The crack teams set up by the Zimbabwe Republic Police command are alert and will ensure that the law takes its course without fear or favour,” he stated.
Recently, a CID Homicide team of five female detectives and one male was awarded certificates of excellence by the Commissioner General of Police, Godwin Matanga. The recognition was for their exceptional performance in apprehending notorious serial killer Thandolwenkosi Ndlovu, known as Sauro.
Detective Sergeants Heather Bonokuhle Ncube, Nyarai Jestina Risinamwana, Lucia Atwabi, Rebecca Muchazondiitei Mvere, Yeukai Millcent Maraidza, and their male colleague, Det Sgt Lawrence Chademana, were honored for their dedication.
Ndlovu, a homeless suspect, had brutally killed at least five people and injured another in Harare’s Central Business District within a week. He targeted fellow vagrants, crushing their heads with stones and mutilating their bodies in what appeared to be ritual killings.
Ndlovu was ultimately identified by a survivor of one of his attacks, providing the detectives with the crucial lead needed to solve the case.
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