Tinotenda Hove – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of 25-year-old Ndumiso Nxumalo in connection with a string of violent robbery and attempted murder incidents that rocked Cowdray Park and surrounding areas in Bulawayo between June 2 and July 24, 2025.

In a statement issued on August 4, the ZRP revealed that Nxumalo, working in cahoots with his still-at-large accomplice Themba Moyo, targeted individuals walking at night. The duo allegedly threatened their victims with dangerous weapons including knives, a machete, and an axe.

“The suspects would ambush people walking alone at night, threatening them with weapons and robbing them of valuables,” the police said.

Investigations by law enforcement led to a breakthrough when officers recovered eight smartphones from a cellphone dealer operating in Bulawayo’s Central District. This discovery eventually led to the arrest of Nxumalo, who is now linked to at least seven robbery cases and one attempted murder case.

In one of the more chilling incidents, which took place on July 15 in Cowdray Park, Nxumalo and his accomplice allegedly confronted a pedestrian, threatening him with knives and an axe before making off with a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 smartphone, cash, and other possessions.

Another disturbing case occurred on July 21, when the suspects posed as ordinary commuters looking for a lift to Cowdray Park from the Bulawayo Central Business District. After boarding a Toyota Wish vehicle, they reportedly turned on the unsuspecting driver upon reaching their destination, producing knives and robbing the driver.

Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the second suspect.

“We are appealing to members of the public with information that may lead to the arrest of Themba Moyo to contact their nearest police station,” the ZRP stated.

The police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety and cracking down on violent crime across the country.