Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
ARMED gangs are wreaking havoc in Manicaland Province and across the country, leaving business owners and individuals living in perpetual fear of being targeted.
The gangs, often armed with guns, machetes and iron bars, are raiding business premises and homes in search of cash and other valuables.
Cases of armed robberies and unlawful entry have surged, with the perpetrators using various tactics to gain access to their targets.
In some instances, they blew open company wall mounted safes using unknown explosives after overpowering security personnel.
When met with resistance, the robbers quickly resort to violence, indiscriminately shooting and attacking their victims.
The attacks have resulted in thousands of dollars in losses, with victims left injured and traumatised.
The goons, often wearing balaclavas, have brought a sense of terror to communities, including rural areas typically known for their peaceful environment.
The alarming rise in armed robberies has raised concerns about public safety and the need for increased security measures to protect businesses and homes.
The latest robbery occurred at Genesis Service Station in Dangamvura suburb on Sunday, with four armed robbers making off with US$2 350 and a motor vehicle.
The gang, armed with an unknown rifle, iron bar, hacksaw, and mattock hammer, and wearing balaclavas to conceal their faces, struck around 2am.
They fired a shot into the air to intimidate two employees who attempted to resist their demands.
After failing to obtain the safe keys from one of the employees, the robbers used unknown explosives to blast open a wall-mounted safe.
A security guard, Mr Nevermind Bhasera was ordered to lie down, and had his hands tied behind his back.
The robbers smashed the passenger-side window of a Nissan Sunny Box after Mr Kevin
Gwaramba refused to hand over the car keys.
They used hotwiring to start the vehicle, but it ran out of fuel just 20 metres from the scene, prompting the armed robbers to abandon it and flee on foot.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident.
“They stole US$2 350 in cash and proceeded to where Gwaramba was seated in the car.
One of the accused persons ordered him to surrender the car keys, but he told them he did not have them. Upon realising that he was not complying with their orders, they smashed the front passenger’s windscreen.
They assaulted him with clenched fists, and he managed to escape and ran away. One suspect fired a shot into the air,” he said.
A business couple at St Beads Business Centre in Makoni District suffered a terrifying ordeal two weeks ago.
Five armed robbers besieged their home shortly after they had closed their grocery shop, making off with US$5 000 cash and a Mazda Bongo vehicle.
The vehicle was later found abandoned in Harare.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka referred The Manica Post to his superiors at Police General
Headquarters for more statistics on other robbery cases in the province.
However, he urged people against keeping large sums of cash at home and business premises, and also warned people under siege from robbers to avoid fighting back as they risk being killed or injured.
“We advise people against keeping large sums of money at their business premises and homes — instead, they should use banking services.
‘‘It is essential to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with strangers, avoiding interactions near gates and doors. In the event of an armed robbery, we urge people not to resist the attackers, as this can lead to injury or death.
‘‘Keeping important phone numbers, such as the local police and ambulance, readily available is also crucial for emergency situations,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Manicaland Business Against Crime Forum chairperson, Mr Brian Nyakutombwa emphasised that business owners, who are often the targets of armed robberies, must tighten security measures at their premises and homes to minimise the risk of attack.
He stressed the importance of conducting thorough background checks on potential employees to prevent hiring individuals who may provide inside information to robbers.
Mr Nyakutombwa also encouraged businesses to collaborate and form watch committees to enhance security at their premises.
“By working together and increasing security personnel, we can better protect our businesses and prevent armed robberies. The issues we have been emphasising remain crucial for businesspeople to follow. These include installing security systems, such as logging systems and Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV), around premises, ensuring adequate lighting, and hiring security guards.
“Security companies must review the vigilance of their deployed guards. Businesses should avoid holding large sums of money on premises or at home, as robbers study patterns and behaviours of targeted victims.
‘‘It is essential to review cash handling procedures, as this is a major attraction for robbers.
“Employers must conduct strict vetting of employees, involving the police, and avoid hiring individuals without checking their backgrounds. There is a high prevalence of cases involving inside information, where robbers are aided by employees regarding movements, cash, and valuables.
“There is a need for businesses to form watch committees, enabling roving personnel to detect and deter potential robbers during sensitive hours. A joint effort between the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the business community can yield solutions for active monitoring and night time presence, when most robberies occur,” said Mr Nyakutombwa.
