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Thandeka Moyo  Chronicle Reporter
POLICE have arrested an AK47 rifle-wielding notorious robbery and rape suspect who has been terrorising Bulawayo residents since January this year.Sibangilizwe Mandebvu, a suspected army deserter who has been on the run for months, was arrested on Monday while in possession of the AK47 rifle and 29 live rounds of ammunition.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo confirmed the arrest yesterday.

He said police in Mutare were eager to interview Mandebvu as it is suspected he also committed a number of crimes in the city.

“I can confirm that we arrested a suspect on Monday night in connection with a series of crimes including armed robberies and rape. On February 7 at about 7PM in Nkulumane, Mandebvu pounced on two lovers brandishing an AK47 rifle and robbed the man of his cellphone and $2,” said Insp Moyo.

He said Mandebvu then allegedly raped the woman several times in front of her lover and disappeared.

“On March 2 at 8PM it’s suspected that Mandebvu went to Monaghen Enterprises in Nkulumane brandishing the rifle. He ordered everyone to lie down and took $21 and fled into the darkness,” added the police spokesperson.

Insp Moyo said Mandebvu also targeted Bambi Lodge shop in Rangemore carrying the AK47 when the shop was about to close.

“He ordered everyone in the shop to lie down and demanded money from the owner. He got away with $200,” he said.

Mandebvu also allegedly went into McLays shop in Nkulumane on March 28, and found the doors closed but not locked.

“He pushed the door open whilst holding the AK47 and ordered everyone to lie down. Mandebvu managed to take R170 and $98 from the till and disappeared,” Insp Moyo said.

He said Mandebvu ran out of luck when a team of detectives, acting on a tip off, raided a Nkulumane house and arrested him.

“He was found in possession of a stolen cell phone and the AK47 rifle with 29 live rounds. A pink jacket with a navy blue hood which was used in most of the alleged crimes was also recovered.”

Insp Moyo commended members of the public for a job well done and encouraged them to continue helping police curb crime in the city.

“Members of the public may use (09) 885479 to report crimes or call our toll free numbers 999 and 995. We’re still looking for the catapult thug and we hope the public will continue in the same spirit and help us,” he said.