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๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ผ Zimbabwe /Crime & Justice

Police Hunt Drug Kingpins Linked to Armed Robberies in Zimbabwe

From AllAfrica Zimbabwe · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Zimbabwe Republic Police are searching for three alleged drug kingpins accused of operating syndicates linked to armed robberies.
  • Explosives were recovered during investigations, suggesting a connection between the drug operations and violent organized crime.
  • The suspects are believed to be using heavily secured properties to evade arrest amidst a nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police are intensifying efforts to dismantle drug syndicates that are fueling violent crime across the nation. In a significant development, authorities have identified three alleged kingpins, Nomore Chabata, Joymore Chihwai, and Leon Mambohaatumwi, who are now the subject of a nationwide manhunt. These individuals are accused of orchestrating drug operations from Harare suburbs, with investigations revealing a disturbing link between their activities and armed robberies, evidenced by the recovery of explosives.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is seeking information which may lead to the location and subsequent arrest of highly wanted drug lords, Nomore 'Nomara' Chabata, Joymore Chihwai and Leon Mambohaatumwi.

โ€” Commissioner Paul NyathiAnnouncing the nationwide manhunt for the alleged drug kingpins.

Commissioner Paul Nyathi of the ZRP highlighted the sophisticated methods employed by the suspects, including the use of highly secured properties equipped with high walls, electric fences, and CCTV cameras to evade law enforcement. The presence of aggressive dogs like pit-bulls further underscores the lengths to which these syndicates go to protect their illicit operations. The recovery of explosives, specifically mentioned as being used in blowing up safes, points to a direct connection with violent organized crime, a grave concern for national security.

It is disturbing to note that the recovery of explosives in the contraband show that the drug lords are linked to crimes such as armed robbery which involve the blowing up of safes.

โ€” Commissioner Paul NyathiHighlighting the link between drug syndicates and violent organized crime.

This crackdown is part of a broader, intensified nationwide effort to combat drug trafficking, which police attribute to the rise in substance abuse and violent crime in urban areas. The ZRP is appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of these wanted individuals. The operation signifies the government's commitment to restoring order and safety within communities by targeting the root causes of escalating criminal activity.

The premises had vicious dogs such as pit-bulls and others to scare away law enforcement efforts.

โ€” Commissioner Paul NyathiDescribing the security measures at the suspects' properties.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by AllAfrica Zimbabwe in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.