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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
A man believed to be part of an armed robbery gang that had been terrorising Beitbridge residents succumbed to his injuries after he was cornered and beaten up by a mob in Kwalu 1 suburb (SDP) early yesterday morning.
The suspect, who is believed to be in his early 30s, is said to have failed to escape when the group of four armed men was breaking into a house in the suburb around 1 am.
Three of his accomplices are said to have disappeared into the darkness, leaving him at the mercy of the angry residents who have to endure at least two violent armed robberies weekly.
It is reported that the group has been targeting foreign currency dealers, smugglers, cigarettes dealers, and the local businessmen robbing them of valuables including large sums of money.
A source close to the case said the man and his gang pounced at a house in Kwalu 1 suburb, where they tried to break a steel security gate, but were spotted by some residents who raised alarm.
“A mob then rushed to the scene and managed to catch the man who was already in the yard, whom they assaulted and handed over to the police.
“He was taken to the local hospital where he succumbed to the injuries,” said the source.
The police officer commanding Beitbridge district, Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo said the matter was still being investigated.
“I cannot give you any further details at this stage, investigations are underway,” he said.
Already the police in Beitbridge have since established a crack team to deal with an upsurge in armed robbery cases.
Online Reporter