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Bulawayo Bureau
A GOKWE man lost his vehicle worth US$5 000 last week when car jackers allegedly emerged from the bush armed with spears, knives, machetes, blocked the road and forced him to stop before they took over the vehicle near Empress Mine.
Midlands police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the incident.
He said police are investigating a case of robbery where Believe Bhobho (31) of Mapfungautsi suburb in Gokwe Centre was robbed of his vehicle valued at US$5 000 by a gang of 10.
Insp Mahoko said the incident occurred on March 14 at around 9am along Kadoma-Empress Road.
“Believe Bhobho of Mapfungautsi, Gokwe was driving his white Nissan Caravan registration number AFH 9428 from Kadoma to Empress in the company of one male adult identified as Tafadzwa. Upon approaching Kasawe turn off, 10 men emerged from the bush armed with spears, knives and machetes and blocked the road forcing Bhobho to stop,” he said.
Insp Mahoko said the car jackers took control of the vehicle and drove towards Hove Business Centre in Zhombe with Bhobho and Tafadzwa at the back seat.
“Bhobho and Tafadzwa managed to escape and the matter was reported to Gokwe Centre police,” he said.
In another related incident which occurred on March 13, at about 6pm near Mvuma tollgate along Gweru-Mvuma road, a 17-year-old boy was allegedly robbed of his cash and property by four men who had offered him a lift from Gweru to Chivhu.
Insp Mahoko said Brandon Matsika of Bulawayo allegedly boarded a black Honda fit registration number AEF 4468 at Gweru Show grounds to Chivhu.
He said the motor vehicle had four other male adults on board.
“Whilst on the way near Mvuma Tollgate, the driver diverted route into the bush where the four men searched Matsika and assaulted him with a whip and sjambok before they took cash US$30 and a Samsung cellphone all valued at US$80,” said Insp Mahoko.
He said they sped off leaving the boy in the bush.
“The complainant sustained injuries and was treated at Gweru Provincial Hospital. Investigations are in progress with the suspects still at large,” said Insp Mahoko.
He said the police are appealing to members of the public with information that can help recover the vehicle as well as identify the suspects in both cases to approach any nearest police station.
“Members of the public are urged to desist from using private vehicles for public passenger service vehicles business as criminals are taking advantage of unsuspecting passengers,” said Insp Mahoko.
Online Reporter