Bulawayo residents can breathe a collective sigh of relief as police have apprehended Learmore Sibanda, 23, from Cowdray Park, believed to be the lynchpin in a series of terrifying armed robberies that have plagued the city since March. Sources close to the investigation suggest Sibanda was “dealt” with robustly by detectives, leading to a breakthrough in the case and the recovery of stolen goods.
“The gang has been wreaking havoc in Bulawayo since March,” Inspector Msebele confirmed. “They have been using weapons to rob unsuspecting victims of phones, money, and other goods.”
While police have not officially confirmed the methods used to extract information from Sibanda, whispers within law enforcement circles suggest a no-holds-barred approach was adopted. The pressure seemingly worked, as Sibanda eventually led detectives to Dube Lungisani, a 37-year-old second-hand cellphone dealer operating at the corner of Herbert Chitepo Street and Leopold Takawira Avenue in New Lobengula.
Lungisani is alleged to have been a key player in the gang’s operation, knowingly purchasing stolen mobile phones from them. “This led to the recovery of some of the stolen property,” added Inspector Msebele, confirming the success of the operation following Sibanda’s interrogation. The recovered items are now crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation.
However, the hunt is far from over. Prosper and Farai Sibanda remain on the run, and police are appealing to the public for assistance in locating them. “We are appealing to anyone with information on their whereabouts to report to the nearest police station,” said Inspector Msebele. “We also urge the public to stop buying second-hand phones. You risk buying stolen property and facing arrest.”
The police are determined to dismantle the entire criminal network and bring all those involved to justice. The arrest of Sibanda is a significant step in that direction, but the remaining members of the gang pose a continued threat to the safety and security of Bulawayo residents.
The police are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. They have assured the public that all information will be treated with the strictest confidence.
In addition to the ongoing investigation, police are also focusing on disrupting the market for stolen goods. They are working with local businesses and community leaders to raise awareness about the dangers of buying second-hand items from unofficial sources.
The message is clear: buying stolen goods fuels criminal activity and makes it more difficult for the police to combat crime. By refusing to purchase second-hand items from dubious sources, members of the public can help to reduce the demand for stolen property and make it more difficult for criminals to profit from their crimes.
The arrest of Learmore Sibanda has brought a sense of relief to the residents of Bulawayo, who have been living in fear for months. However, they know that the fight against crime is far from over. They are hoping that the police will be able to track down the remaining suspects and bring them to justice as soon as possible.
The police are also working with local community leaders to raise awareness about crime prevention and to encourage residents to take steps to protect themselves and their property. They are urging people to be more aware of their surroundings and to take precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping their valuables out of sight.
The police are also encouraging people to report any crimes or suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. They are reminding people that they can report crimes anonymously if they wish.
The police are committed to working with the community to create a safer environment for everyone in Bulawayo. They believe that by working together, they can make a real difference in the fight against crime.
Follow @MyZimbabweNews
