adminFreedom Mupanedemo Midlands Correspondent
POLICE have warned of a loose gang of taxi robbers comprising three men and a woman which is going around cities and towns robbing taxi drivers of cash and cars. Police spokesperson for Midlands province Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the gang has been targeting taxi drivers mainly in Gweru and Masvingo cities and has been terrorising cabmen since January.
Insp Mahoko said the suspects, namely Tinashe Pedzisai (29) of farm 126 Mushangashi, Masvingo, his younger brother Alick (24) of the same address, Brighton Chakaita (age not given) of Chisvingo, Masvingo and a female adult whose identity was yet to be established were all still at large.
“Police are investigating cases of robbery and are keen to interview four suspects, one Tinashe Pedzisai (29), Alick Pedzisai (24), Brighton Chakaita and an unidentified woman, all from Masvingo in connection with the robbery of taxis in Masvingo and Gweru,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said one of the taxis which was stolen in Gweru in January allegedly by the four suspects was recently found burnt in Gutu.
He said in one of the incidents which occurred on 11 January this year, the suspects approached a cabman in Gweru Central Business District and told him that they wanted to be taken to Flamingo Hide Out on the outskirts of Gweru along the Gweru-Shurugwi Road.
“Whilst on the way the suspects ordered the cabman to stop and he complied. They went on to tie him with some shoelaces on both legs and hands before they robbed him of cash and the car. The car was recently found burnt in Gutu,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said the same suspects hired another cabman in Masvingo on 28 October and later robbed him of cash and the car.
The car was later recovered in Masvingo but the suspects are still at large.
“We appeal for assistance from members of the public to track down the suspects,” he said.
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