Chicken Inn, Mukuru robbers nabbed
POLICE in Bulawayo have arrested two suspected armed robbers that allegedly robbed a Mukuru outlet, two Simbisa retail outlets and several houses in the city.
The crimes were committed between March and September.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of the two suspects.
He identified the suspects as Lenny Ryan Mupande (21) of Gweru and Bezel Chirova (21) from Njube suburb in Bulawayo.
Asst Comm Nyathi said the third suspect identified as Ishmael Chipanga is still on the run and they have launched a manhunt.
“We arrested two suspects who are responsible for the 19 March attempted robbery at the Chicken Inn Drive-through in Bulawayo.
“They tried to open the safe and only stopped following the arrival of a vehicle and fled,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi said they then went on to raid an unnamed Chicken Inn outlet on April 29 within the city centre where they got away with US$6 604 before raiding Athens Supermarket in Hillside suburb in June.
“Residents and the neighbourhood surveillance team gave chase to them after they broke into Athens Supermarket.
“They were using a Honda Fit and during the high-speed chase, the one who was driving lost control of the car and landed in a ditch,” he said.
“They then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.”
For two months, they lay low before pouncing on a family at their home in Entumbane suburb in September and got away with US$1 850.
During the same month, they raided a Mukuru outlet in Entumbane and took R13 390.
“They then went on a robbery spree terrorising residents at shopping centres. In Pumula they stole varying amounts from individuals.
“One victim was robbed of US$5 while two others lost US$12 and US$447 respectively. In another incident they robbed a shop in Khumalo suburb of US$990,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
“They were apprehended last week by our officers and we urge citizens to assist police with information that may lead to the arrest of the third suspect. We also urge people and companies not to carry large amounts of money on them,” said Asst Comm Nyathi. Chronicle
