A suspected armed robber died from severe injuries sustained during a police shootout while attempting to evade arrest in Chegutu.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the other two armed robbers were apprehended following the incident.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirm a shooting incident and the arrest of Valentine Dipuka (30) and Tinashe Chimukono in connection with a robbery case,” he stated.
The robbery occurred on September 14, at the Newfound Turn-off, Gadzema, along the Chegutu-Chinhoyi Road.
According to Nyathi, the suspects, who were driving a Honda Fit, rammed at the rear of a Nissan Caravan kombi.
They threatened the driver with machetes and stole US$266.
“On September 19, police received intelligence regarding the suspects’ location and tracked them to Chegutu’s central business district.
“When the suspects attempted to flee, a high-speed chase ensued.
“Police fired shots to bring the vehicle to a stop, which eventually halted after sustaining damage.
“While Dipuka and Chimukono were arrested, a third suspect, Tafadzwa Mumba, succumbed to gunshot wounds at a local hospital.
“The arrest also led to the recovery of the getaway vehicle, a Honda Fit with registration number AEQ 5393,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi cautioned criminals against confronting law enforcement.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police warn criminal syndicates against fleeing from police and engaging in confrontations with our crack teams.
“It is in the interest of law and order for suspects to cooperate with law enforcement officers during arrests and at crime scenes,” he emphasised.
