Five men from Bulawayo’s Pumula suburb have been arrested and charged in connection with a spate of violent armed robberies that terrorised residents of Killarney over several days. The suspects—identified as Mpho Ncube (26), Thabani Zondo (25), Thembalami Sibanda (25), Ashton Ncube (22), and Shelton Ngwenya (24)—appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Sibonginkosi Mnkandla on Thursday. They face six counts of robbery and one count of malicious damage to property.
Their arrest marks a turning point in a disturbing crime wave that had left Killarney residents living in fear. The gang is alleged to have used machetes, large knives, and even medieval-style axes to attack and rob their victims—many of whom were walking alone at night or caught off guard on quiet streets. Some residents described the violence as “something out of a horror movie.”
According to court proceedings, the gang’s violent spree began on July 30 along Coghlan Road in the Killarney area. Prosecutor Owen Mugari told the court that in one of the first attacks, the suspects allegedly targeted a man near his vehicle, a Honda Fit. After smashing the car, they reportedly assaulted the man using machetes and a Colombian-style combat knife, threatening to kill him before fleeing with his mobile phone.
The violence didn’t end there. Over the following days, the suspects are accused of targeting pedestrians and lone individuals across the suburb. Victims were allegedly surrounded by the armed group, threatened with death, and forced to surrender personal belongings including phones, cash, and clothing.
In one particularly chilling incident, a man was reportedly stripped of his blue and yellow hooded jacket after being cornered by the group, who brandished axes and large knives to intimidate him. Other victims recounted being robbed of chargers and wallets, with the suspects threatening further violence if anyone resisted.
Five Arrested in Bulawayo Armed Robbery Spree That Terrorised Killarney Suburb
The robbery suspects, all in their early to mid-20s, are being represented by defence lawyer Tinashe Runganga of Tanaka Law Chambers. During the court session, Magistrate Mnkandla remanded them in custody to 15 August, pending further investigations and trial proceedings.
The robbers have brought a momentary sense of relief to residents of Killarney, a normally quiet suburb that had been shaken by the sudden outbreak of violence. In recent weeks, many locals had stopped venturing out after dark, fearing they could be the next targets.
Community members have expressed gratitude for the swift police response but urged authorities to ramp up visible security efforts in the area. “We’ve been sleeping with one eye open,” said a resident who lives near one of the crime scenes. “You’d hear stories from your neighbour one day, then the next day, it’s happening on your own doorstep. Who walks around with axes in 2025? This isn’t a movie—it’s our lives.”
Law enforcement officials say the investigation is ongoing, and the gang may be linked to other unsolved cases in the city. Police have not ruled out further arrests as they continue to gather evidence.
Bulawayo police have appealed to members of the public who may have been victims or who have any information about the suspects’ movements to come forward. Authorities believe the group may have operated in other suburbs under similar methods but are awaiting confirmation as more witnesses come forward.
Legal experts say that if found guilty, the five robbers could face lengthy prison sentences, especially given the violent nature of the alleged offences and the use of dangerous weapons. The law treats armed robbery as a serious crime, with penalties that can exceed a decade in prison depending on aggravating circumstances.
The case is expected to draw public attention as it proceeds, not only because of its violent nature, but also due to the growing concern over public safety in Zimbabwe’s urban areas. As the suspects remain behind bars awaiting trial, residents of Killarney are hopeful that the law will take its course—and that peace and security will return to their streets.
The matter is set to resume on August 15 at the Bulawayo Regional Court.
Source- Bulawayo24
