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AN ARMED gang is terrorising shopowners in a Gweru suburb. The thugs, thought to be three, raided a supermarket in Mkoba Village Six and a beerhall in Mkoba Village Two within a space of five days.Midlands Police spokesman Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the trio carried a pistol.
“They’re wanted for one count of attempted robbery at Value Chain Supermarket in Mkoba Village 6 and robbery at Mkoba Village 2 beerhall.”
Police in the Midlands capital warned shopowners to be on the lookout for the robbers and beef up security at their premises.
Insp Mahoko said the gang of three went to Value Chain Supermarket in Mkoba 6 on Thursday last week around 7.30PM.
They shouted to everyone in the shop to lie down as they were “about to be robbed”.
Said Insp Mahoko: “One of the suspects fired his gun but no bullet came out except some flashes. The trio went on to demand cash from the supermarket but unfortunately for them, the till operator with the code was not around.”
He said after the gang failed to access cash, they went on to fire a second shot into the air before demanding cellphones from customers and the supermarket staff.
None of the shoppers surrendered the items, and the robbers – fearing they had taken too long in the shop – fled.
“It was all drama when the terrified shoppers ran out of the shop together with the suspects who quickly disappeared as soon as they were out, but not before firing a third shot. They were seen taking the direction of Mkoba Village 7,” said Insp. Mahoko.
Police suspect the same gang stormed into Mkoba Village Two Beerhall on Sunday evening and robbed patrons and the bar property worth $900. The three suspects are said to have stormed into Mkoba Village Two beerhall at around 9.40PM.
One of them fired a shot into the air while barking orders for everyone in the bar, including some patrons who were playing pool, to lie face down. Insp Mahoko said one of the three assailants started assaulting the five people who were in the bar with a cue-stick demanding cellphones and cash.
The Midlands police spokesperson said one of the suspects went on to jump over the counter and unplugged an Acer laptop which had some music playing and took $20 from the till.
He added: “The three then ran out of the bar and left the five victims still lying on their stomachs. Property stolen from the five comprise of two Nokia cellphones, one Samsung cellphone, two unidentified cellphones, an Acer laptop and cash.”
Police believe the gang have no access to a car and commit the robberies while on foot.
“A close analysis of the two cases has proved that the suspects are armed with a pistol, judging from a bullet cartridge which was picked at Mkoba Two beerhall,” said Insp Mahoko.
The Inspector appealed to members of the public to stay alert and help them bring the suspects to book.
Online Reporter