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Crime Reporter
FOUR people have been arrested in Banket on allegations of stealing US$65 000 from a motorist at a bus stop in the town, with police recovering US$37 907 and a Mercedes Benz bought with part of the stolen money.
The lead thief works at a service station and left his uniform cap in the car, giving the police a good starting point to track him and his accomplices down.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police arrested Jey Mushati (33), Tongai Talent Mupatutsa (38), Osborne Mutemachani (40) and Tendai Kapita (37) in connection with theft of US$65 000 cash on January 29 at Banket shopping centre bus stop.
The driver had offered a lift to Mushati from Harare to Banket.
“After reaching his destination, Jey Mushati stole the money which was stashed in a bag in the boot of the complainant’s vehicle, before running away into the bush,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
The other three suspects ran after Mushati, pretending to chase him, but allegedly shared the loot.
“The arrest led to the recovery of US$37 907 cash and a Mercedes Benz, registration number AFC 3071, which had been bought by Mushati using proceeds from the loot.
“We continue to appeal to members of the public to desist from carrying large sums of money as they will likely fall prey to criminals,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.
Meanwhile, on January 30, a team of police officers on anti-smuggling duties at Mphoengs Border Post arrested Onias Moyo (32) and Brighton Moyo (37) for smuggling five refrigerators, four double beds, groceries and 10 cases of Dragon energy drinks.
The same day another pair of smugglers, Tapiwa Musengiziwa (42) and Norman Musengiwa were arrested at Kazungula Border Post for smuggling two refrigerators, six tyres, a camping tent, three television sets, an inverter welder, two wheel chairs, four solar batteries, 23 metal chairs, 20 boxes of diapers and groceries.
And in the general anti-smuggling crackdown, Norman Chatambura (27), Andlen Gwemure (32) and Ethel Chidyausike (23) were arrested at Plumtree Border Post in connection with smuggling two refrigerators, a sewing machine, two television sets, three microwaves, a washing machine and groceries.
Online Reporter