Chronicle EditorPatrick Chitumba Midlands Bureau Chief
EIGHT robbers armed with mattocks and picks cut a fence and tied the hands of two security guards and got away with over $4 000 and a revolver at Fawcetts Security Company regional offices in Gweru early Monday morning. Police in Gweru have since launched a manhunt for the eight robbers. Acting Midlands provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed the incident.
“There was an incident at Fawcetts Security Company in Gweru and police investigations are underway,” she said. Employees at the company said the armed robbery could have been an inside job since the robbers knew how to enter the premises, disarm security guards, as well as disconnect the alarm before making off with the $4 000 and a revolver from one of the offices.
“Between 1am and 3am on Monday, eight suspected robbers armed with mattocks and picks broke into Fawcetts Security Company offices through the fence,” said a source.
“Four robbers attacked and disarmed a security guard who was in the guard room before tying his hands and feet. They bundled him on the bed of flowers.” The source said three armed robbers remained on guard where they had thrown the security guard, while the other five proceeded to the offices. They allegedly broke a window and while still outside, pointed a gun at another security guard who was in the office. The source said they ordered the security guard to open the door and when he complied, they tied his hands.
“When they entered the office, they vandalised the radio, alarm and CCTV systems. They broke into the stronghold and picked up two boxes, which had money. They, however, went away with one box with about $4 000 cash after the police who had been alerted by a passer-by arrived at the scene,” said the source. The source said had they managed to take all the money boxes with them, the security company would have lost $11 000.
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