Armed robberies, murder on the rise

Online Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned members of the public that armed robbery cases are on the rise in the capital city.

Through their Twitter handle, the ZRP urged people to stay alert after an armed robbery occurred along Seke Road where robbers barricaded the road with stones.

“ZRP warns members of the public to be wary of robbery cases which are on the increase in Harare and other areas. In one such case which occurred on Sunday at about 7pm along Seke Road, some robbers blocked the road using stones,” reads part of the tweet.

The rising cases of armed robberies comes hard on the heels of probably the country’s biggest cash heist when armed robbers disarmed security guards who had given them a lift along the Harare-Chinhoyi highway and drove away with US$2,7 million that was meant to be distributed to different ZB Bank branches.

Meanwhile, police force has also expressed concern over the increasing number of murder cases.

Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, in a statement on Tuesday, said most of the cases were emanating from petty disputes.

“The public should never take the law into their hands but report to law enforcement agencies or approach third parties to resolve conflicts,” said Nyathi.

“We urge everyone to shun resorting to violence as a means of resolving disputes.”

A 76-year-old woman from Gezani Village in Chikombedzi, Masvingo died as a result of injuries sustained after she was assaulted by her grandson who accused her of being witch.

During the same week, a 23-year-old Binga woman was found dead with deep cuts on the throat and chin, following a domestic dispute with her husband.