The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have arrested the first suspect linked to the high-profile Ruwa robbery in which US$176,000 was stolen from a Harare businessman in June.
Investigations revealed that on June 7, businessman Joseph Maruta had collected US$181,000 in Kwekwe as payment for potato seed supplies.
Later that evening, he visited his girlfriend, Leoba Hunda, in Springvale, Ruwa, carrying part of the cash along with his licensed pistol.
Prosecutors allege that Blessing Kennes of Hurudza Township, Shamva, and his accomplices who are still at large broke into Maruta’s Toyota GD6 and later gained access to the house.
They reportedly stole US$176,050 in cash, US$6,000 from a jacket, a Samsung S23 Ultra smartphone, and a Derya pistol with two loaded magazines before fleeing.
Maruta discovered the break-in the following morning and reported the matter to ZRP Ruwa.
Acting on a tip-off, detectives from the CID Homicide unit in Harare arrested Kennes in Mbare on August 13.
He later led police to the recovery of US$20,250 in cash, the stolen Derya pistol, and a Toyota Nadia (registration ADP 4306) worth US$3,500, which he had allegedly bought using part of the stolen money.
Police say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to track down Kennes’ accomplices.
