Gang ties up guard, makes off with thousands. . . force-march him to a room . . . smash windows and take cash

Danisa Masuku
SEVEN armed robbers pounced at a company in Masvingo, tied up a security guard with a shoelace before force-marching him to a room where they smashed windows and took US$1 800 and R2 000.

The robbery happened on 1 December at around 1am at Makney Enterprises in the industrial area, Masvingo.
A source who declined to be named in fear of being attacked by the unknown men who are on the loose said the gang that was armed with a mattock and a machete pounced at the firm and pelted dogs with stones. Upon hearing the barking dogs, the security guard rushed to the scene.

The source said fear gripped him when he saw the men. He tried to run away but they ordered him to stop and demanded to search him.

“He stopped, they searched him and took US$43 and his walkie- talkie. After that they tied his hands with a shoelace before force-marching him to a room where upon arrival they ordered him to open the door but he had no keys.

They smashed windows. Two of the men together with the security guard got inside and ransacked the house.

“They stumbled on US$1 800 and R2 000 under the mattress and took it. They then fled,” said the source.
Masvingo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dewa confirmed: “We would like to discourage members of the public from keeping money at home. They should keep their money at banks.”

Asst Insp Dewa appealed for information that may lead to the arrest of the seven-man gang.

“They may contact any nearest police station or contact Masvingo CID on 0392-262931 or they could send a tip-off to 0775996945,”he said.