Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. KARIBA police have arrested seven suspects following a series of robberies and kidnappings targeting fishermen around Musamba Island.
The arrest took place at Mica Point on December 29, after several fishermen, primarily from Zambia’s Siavonga area, reported being attacked by individuals posing as members of the Zimbabwe National Army or the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
The suspects, identified as Criswell Kanyoka, Munashe Nyanye, Archford Mawiranhaka, Tanaka Tagara, Osamu Chawasiya Nhimura, Joseph Mashakada and Tinashe Muzeziwa, are facing charges of robbery and kidnapping in aggravating circumstances.
Officer commanding Kariba District, Superintendent Pepukai Mhiripiri said: “The suspects used deception to detain victims on the pretext that they had illegally crossed into Zimbabwe”.
According to police, victims were subjected to severe abuse, with some being held captive for several days.
The suspects allegedly forced victims to contact relatives to demand ransom ranging from 45 000 to 60 000 Zambian kwacha. The money was reportedly sent to Nyamhunga, where it was converted to United States dollars.
On the day of their arrest, the suspects attempted to extort 60 000 kwacha from a victim, ordering that the money be delivered to Micah Point.
However, the complainant alerted the Zambian Police in Siavonga, triggering a coordinated operation between Zambian and Zimbabwean authorities which led to the suspects’ arrest.
Police said investigations were ongoing and were expected to link the suspects to more than 15 robbery and kidnapping cases in the Musamba Island area.
A woman believed to have been acting as a currency exchange agent for the syndicate has also been arrested and is assisting police with investigations.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Kariba Magistrates Court after completion of investigations. Authorities are urging members of the public who may have been victimised to report to the nearest police station.
ZRP has assured the community of its commitment to restoring safety and security in the area.
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