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Crime Reporter
POLICE have arrested 11 suspected armed robbers, including four who are suspected to be part of a gang that recently robbed Fawcett Security guards of over US$125 000 in Nyanga. The suspects were arrested in separate incidents in Harare. Police have since recovered four vehicles, four army uniforms which were used by the other seven suspects to commit robberies, knives and a 303 rifle. Criminal Investigations Department (CID) spokesperson Detective Inspector Ntombizodwa Chiduwuro confirmed the arrests.
“We have arrested four suspects in connection with an armed highway robbery which occurred on Saturday November 30 at around 6.50am along the Selbourne-Aberfoyle Road, Mutare in which Fawcett Security guards lost over US$125 600,” she said.
She said the four connived with other suspects, who are still at large, to commit the offence.
Detective Insp Chiduwuro said investigations led them to the arrest of the four last Wednesday and were still assisting them with investigations.
She said they recovered a Mitsubishi lorry suspected to have been robbed in Rusape by the suspects, a Nissan Hardbody and a 303 rifle.
Seven other suspected armed robbers, including two women, were arrested in Harare on Sunday for a spate of robberies in and around the city.
The seven were in the habit of offering lifts to people before robbing them of their valuables and cash.
Police have recovered a Toyota Vitz, Isuzu single cab, five army trousers, four army shirts, an army cap, matchete and knives which were used to commit robberies.
Detective Insp Chiduwuro said the suspects, aged between 22 and 28, were still assisting with investigations.
“They robbed several people of their cash, cellphones and other valuables after offering them lifts in Harare, Kwekwe and Kadoma, among other areas,” she said.
She said despite a slight increase in robbery cases, detectives were out in full force to arrest offenders.
She urged the public to desist from carrying large amounts of cash as they could end up falling victims to robbers.
“Keeping large sums of money at home is also discouraged. Travellers should also use public transport,” Detective Insp Chiduwuro said.
At least 3 499 people were kidnapped and robbed by pirate taxi and kombi drivers countrywide in the first half of this year, while 284 others fell prey to armed robbers.
The situation is more pronounced in Harare where at least 1 200 cases of kidnapping and robbery by the same drivers were recorded in the past four months, with most of the victims being offered lifts in and around the city.
Online Reporter