Armed robbers strike in Masvingo

Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
A Zupco bus crew and passengers were robbed at gunpoint of cash and property with a combined value of $1 749 by four robbers along the Masvingo-Mutare road. Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Peter Zhanero said the robbery happened on Monday at about 7pm. He said the four robbers disappeared into the darkness soon after committing the crime and were  still at large.

“I can confirm receiving a report of a robbery which occurred at Roy Business Centre on Monday night. The suspects disappeared after committing the offence but the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them. We have since launched a manhunt,” said Insp Zhanero.

He said on the day in question, Mr Fuyana Moyo (45) of 430 Old Magwegwe in Bulawayo was driving a Zupco bus to Mutare.
“Upon reaching Roy Business Centre at the 42km peg along Masvingo-Mutare Road, he stopped to drop off some passengers. When the passengers disembarked, four men masquerading as genuine passengers got onto the bus.

“After the bus had travelled for a few kilometres, the quartet ordered the conductor and passengers to lie down. One of them produced a pistol and proceeded to Mr Moyo the driver before ordering him to stop the bus.

He also ordered him to surrender all the money in his possession,” said Insp Zhanero.
Mr Moyo complied with the directive and stopped the bus after which he surrendered the R200 that he had.

“While the armed suspect was demanding money from the driver, his accomplices were searching passengers from which they got away with cellphones, Xtell and Samsung worth $897.

The conductor tried to resist but later gave in when the armed robber threatened to shoot him,” said Insp Zhanero.
He said the conductor surrendered the $450 that he had collected from passengers.

“After their mission, the four disembarked and ordered the driver to leave.
“While outside the armed suspects fired one shot at the bus but no one was injured,” said Insp Zhanero.

The bus crew then drove to Farmers Hall police base where they reported the robbery.