AXE GANG BUSTED!, ZRP nabs night-time robbers terrorising Cowdray Park
B-Metro Reporter
A machete-wielding Cowdray Park gang that hacked and robbed night walkers has been arrested.
Police have arrested Ndumiso Nxumalo (25), believed to be the ringleader in a violent robbery spree that left Bulawayo residents living in fear. His partner in crime, Themba Moyo, is still on the run.
The duo allegedly prowled Cowdray Park and surrounding areas between 2 June and 24 July, ambushing residents walking at night. Victims were threatened with knives, a machete, and an axe before being robbed of phones, cash, and valuables.
Police recovered eight smartphones from a cellphone dealer in the city centre, leading to Nxumalo’s arrest. He is linked to seven robbery cases and one attempted murder.
“In one of the cases, the suspects attacked a complainant who was walking in Cowdray Park on 15 July 2025. They threatened him with knives and an axe before robbing him of a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 smartphone, cash and other valuables,” said national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The thugs even posed as commuters in the CBD on 21 July, flagging down a Toyota Wish headed for Cowdray Park. But once inside the suburb, they turned violent.
“They produced knives and an axe before robbing the complainant of his car and other valuables,” said Comm Nyathi. “The motor vehicle was later dumped in Tsholotsho.”
On 24 July, the pair went on a rampage near Tategulu Primary School, robbing a 56-year-old man at knifepoint. Minutes later, they struck a 52-year-old man on the forehead with an axe near Emagetsini, before taking off with a satchel and speaker.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated robbery, police arrested Dylan Ndlovu (26) and Vuyani Ndlovu (28) for a mine raid at Happy Valley C Mine on 2 August. Alongside three accomplices still at large, the gang attacked workers and looted smartphones, blankets, a solar panel, groceries and shoes.
Officers recovered 50kg of gold ore, a hammer mill cracker, a baton and stolen property.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against crime in the country. The police will ensure that robbery syndicates are brought to justice and the law takes its course without fear or favour,” said Comm Nyathi.
Police have urged members of the public to avoid walking alone at night and to report suspicious activity.
Anyone with information on Themba Moyo or the mine gang is urged to contact the nearest police station.
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