Five people lost cash and other belongings in Kwekwe and Gweru in separate incidents, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has said.
In the first incident, two men, one from Kwekwe and another from Redcliff, were robbed by two armed men who had offered them a lift in their vehicle, according to ZRP Midlands Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.
“Tatenda Ranganai, a man aged 32 years old of Mbizo, Kwekwe boarded an unregistered silver Toyota Vitz at FBC bank, Kwekwe at about 2230 hours together with John Chandiwana a male aged 39 years and Nkosinathi Khumalo a male aged 41 years both of Redcliff, Kwekwe intending to go to Redcliff,” said Insp Mahoko.
He added: “The vehicle had two occupants including the driver. Along the way, the driver diverted the route and stopped at a secluded place. The suspects produced knives and threatened to stab the three whilst demanding cash and valuables. Cash, cellphones and various groceries were taken from the three before they were dumped by the suspects who drove back towards Kwekwe Central Business District.”
According to Insp. Mahoko, the second case involves a Gweru man and woman who were robbed by four unknown suspects who broke into their place of work at night.
“In a separate case, Epson Chirambamuriwo, a male aged 35 years of Mkoba, Gweru and Olinda Gondongwe a female aged 26 years of Ascot, Gweru both employed at Sponono bar Mkoba 14, Gweru as a security guard and shop keeper respectively retired to bed in separate rooms at their workplace. At about 0300 hours four unknown male persons broke into the premises and demanded cash from the two.
They ransacked the place and took cash US 138 dollars, cellphones, laptop and various beverages before locking the two in the bar and went away.”
Insp. Mahoko appealed to the public to assist the police with any information that can help them identify and arrest the men responsible for the robberies.
“Once again we urge members of the public to desist from using Mushika-shikas for transport as they risk themselves. People should always use public transport.”