Staff Reporter
Two suspected members of a five-man robbery gang linked to 21 cases of unlawful entry and robbery cases in and around Gokwe have been arrested, while three accomplices remain on the run.
The suspects, identified as Andrew Aunde (20) of Village Masuka under Chief Masuka and Tinashe Muzenda of Village Mashove under Chief Njelele, were arrested on March 2, 2026 following investigations into a string of robberies committed between February 23 and early March.
Andrew Aunde (20)
Tinashe Muzenda
Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects are believed to be part of a gang responsible for at least 21 cases of unlawful entry and robbery in Gokwe and surrounding areas.
“Police confirm the arrest of two suspects who are members of a five-man gang in connection with 21 cases of unlawful entry into premises and robbery committed over a period of time dating back to February 23, 2026 in and around Gokwe Centre,” said Inspector Mahoko.
He said the gang has also been linked to a similar robbery case that occurred at Musasa Business Centre in Shurugwi.
According to police, the gang mainly targeted residential properties at night in areas including Sasame, Mapfungautsi high-density suburbs and surrounding communal areas under Chief Njelele.
Inspector Mahoko said the suspects allegedly forced open doors before threatening occupants with dangerous weapons such as axes, iron bars and knives.
“The gang would force open dwelling premises at night and threaten occupants with an axe, iron bar and knives before demanding valuables. They would ransack the houses targeting cash, cellphones and groceries,” he said.
Victims who attempted to resist were reportedly assaulted during the attacks.
Several complainants have since been linked to the gang’s activities, including Alleta Maphosa (43), Clarity Marodza (45), Lorencia Mandizvidza (22), Fungai Dzingira (40), Sylvia Ndebele (51), Revai Charambira (39), Augustine Tinawo (42), Tsitsi Pikere (28), Given Make the (34) Sikhululekhile Mathe (46), Michael Nyoni (52), Mike Tarusarira (48), Sithabiso Mudoti (28), Charity Chitambira (36) and some three minor children.
Inspector Mahoko said the arrest of the first suspect followed a citizen’s arrest after one of the robbery victims recognised Aunde and alerted members of the public who assisted in apprehending him before handing him over to police in Gokwe.
“Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the second suspect, Tinashe Muzenda, in the Gokwe Central Business District. Several stolen cellphones have since been recovered, although the total value of the recovered property is yet to be ascertained,” he said.
The other three suspects — only identified as Tanaka, Sydney Ngulube and Magaisa — are still at large.
Police appealed to members of the public with information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects to report to the nearest police station.
“We thank members of the public for their continued support in assisting police to fight crime. This indeed gives meaning to the adage that the fight against crime is everyone’s responsibility,” said Inspector Mahoko.
