Suspects arrested in Tsvangirai armed SA robbery

By Tichaona Sibanda
28 February 2008

Two suspected armed robbers who are alleged to have robbed MDC President Morgan Tsvangirai at gunpoint in South Africa earlier this month, have been arrested.

George Sibochiwe, Tsvangirai’ spokesman, confirmed the arrests Thursday, adding that the MDC leader had to fly back to Johannesburg for an identification parade. However that might have to wait until April because of Tsvangirai’s hectic campaign schedule.

On 12th February Tsvangirai, Sibochiwe and another aide were outside the party offices in Homestead Avenue in Bryanston at about 6pm when three men armed with pistols confronted them. It is alleged the robbers had followed them from the OR Tambo International Airport.

The robbers stole the men’s bags, laptops, cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash before escaping in a white sedan waiting for them outside the offices. None of the MDC officials were hurt but they were left badly shaken.

Acting National Police Commissioner Tim Williams was ordered by the cabinet to prioritise the investigation and it is believed the South African police put together a team of experienced officers to deal with the high profile case.

To avoid a repeat of a similar incident, police in Johannesburg were also ordered to provide Tsvangirai with an armed VIP escort whenever he is in South Africa.

A source told us that acting commissioner Williams was on the scene of the crime the following day directing operations. The area surrounding the offices was cordoned off whilst the police carried out detailed forensic investigations.

‘The first suspect, believed to be the driver of the getaway vehicle, was picked up in the first week after police sifted through many hours of CCTV footage from the area. The second suspect was arrested a few days later and the authorities are still looking for two more people involved in the case,’ our source said.