In a bold break-in at Transwealthy Hardware in Bulawayo, four suspects have been arrested thanks to a crucial tip-off, illustrating the power of community cooperation in fighting crime.
The police, led by Inspector Abednico Ncube, confirmed the arrest of an employee, Freeman Mathema, alongside three accomplices: Precious Dube, Promise Nyamapfemi, and Mduduzi Mutevedzi, all of whom face serious charges of unlawful entry and theft.
The incident occurred in the early hours of September 27, when unknown assailants infiltrated the store and made off with an array of goods, including 20 liters of paint and various lock sets, showcasing a well-planned criminal operation.
Utilizing Mutevedzi’s silver Honda Fit for transportation, the stolen items were taken to Nyamapfemi’s residence in Pumula East, further complicating their illicit activities.
Following a police tip-off on October 17, the investigation quickly gained momentum, leading to Mutevedzi’s arrest and the recovery of the vehicle used in the crime.
During subsequent interrogations, Mutevedzi admitted to being recruited by Nyamapfemi, prompting further arrests and revealing more stolen items at Nyamapfemi’s location.
The authorities managed to recover a significant cache of goods, including a silver ladder and a drill machine, valued at nearly US$992, underscoring the scale of the operation.