Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
A BRAZEN gang of six armed robbers, masquerading as police officers, has unleashed a wave of terror on unsuspecting villagers in parts of Buhera and Hwedza – stealing cash and leaving the community living in fear.
The gang, allegedly travelling in a white Nissan Navara, targets unsuspecting victims by approaching them under the guise of investigating illicit fuel dealings, before brandishing a pistol and demanding money.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said police have launched a manhunt to track down the suspects, and appealed for public assistance to bring the culprits to justice.
“In the first incident, a 33-year-old man, Mr Blessing Gutu, of Mutiweshiri Business Centre, was robbed of US$190 after the suspects stormed his premises pretending to be officials from a high office. The six men arrived at the business centre at around 1pm and disembarked from a white Nissan Navara, Registration Number AFK5642. They approached Mr Gutu, and accused him of illegally selling fuel before demanding money from him. When Mr Gutu told them that he did not have any cash, the suspects allegedly escorted him to a bedroom located at the back of his shop. While inside the room, Mr Gutu reportedly noticed a pistol hanging in a holster on one of the suspects’ waist,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the robbers spotted a wallet lying on the bed, and one of them picked, opened it and took US$190 before leaving the room.
“After taking the money, the suspects quickly left the premises, got back into their vehicle and sped off towards Dorowa. Mr Gutu later reported the matter to the police at Dorowa Police Station at around 2pm, prompting officers to attend the scene.
‘‘However, no arrests have been made so far and the stolen money has not been recovered,” he said.
Barely half an hour later, the same gang allegedly struck again, targeting another victim in the area and using the same modus operandi.
“In the second incident, Mr Blessing Nyamurova (33), of Farm 335, Zviyambe, was robbed of US$200 by the same group. Mr Nyamurova was at his homestead at around 2pm when the same white Nissan Navara arrived. Six men reportedly disembarked from the vehicle and approached him, introducing themselves as police officers from ZRP Wedza. The suspects accused Mr Nyamurova of illegally selling fuel and demanded cash from him. During the encounter, Mr Nyamurova reportedly noticed that one of the men had a pistol hanging in a holster on his waist,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, adding that fearing for his safety, he went into his house and handed over US$200 to the suspects.
“After receiving the money, the suspects immediately left the homestead and drove away towards the Chivhu–Nyazura Road. Mr Nyamurova reported the robbery to the police at Dorowa Police Station at around 3pm. We have received reports of two robbery incidents in which six unknown suspects allegedly posed as police officers before robbing the complainants of cash while armed with a pistol,” he said, adding that the suspects, who are all yet to be identified, are believed to have been travelling in a Nissan Navara vehicle.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka warned members of the public to be cautious when approached by individuals claiming to be police officers.
“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid handing over money or valuables to individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers without proper identification,” he said, adding that genuine police officers always identify themselves properly when conducting official duties.
“Members of the public have the right to request identification from anyone claiming to be a police officer. If there are any doubts, people should immediately report the matter to the nearest police station,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He also appealed to members of the public with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to come forward as investigations intensify to track down the gang and bring it to book.
