Man loses US$247 000 to robbers

getaway cars in Avondale on Saturday evening.
According to police, the six robbers were traveling in two Toyota Corollas, which they used to block the victim, Mr Rutendo Rutendo’s car, an Opel Astra.
The incident occurred along Aberdeen Road.
Mr Rutendo was alone when the incident occurred at around 1900 hours.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector James Sabau yesterday confirmed the incident saying investigations were still in progress.
“While driving along Aberdeen Road in Avondale, the complainant observed a white Toyota Corolla parked in front of him and had no registration number plates,” he said.
The police spokesman said the vehicle suddenly got into the road blocking Mr Rutendo’s car forcing him to stop.
A few minutes later three other armed robbers reportedly arrived at the scene driving in another Toyota Corolla without registration numbers.
The second Corolla blocked Mr Rutendo’s vehicle from behind.
“All the six robbers, with one armed with a pistol got out of the two vehicles and accosted Rutendo demanding car keys,” Insp Sabau said.
Mr Rutendo complied and the robbers opened the boot of his vehicle before taking a bag containing the US$247 000. The gang jumped into their vehicles and sped off towards Second Street Extension. A report was made to the police who are still investigating the case.
Insp Sabau said they believed the robbers had information Mr Rutendo was carrying a large amount of cash.
Police have warned members of the public who hold large amounts cash to be wary of criminals.
Some of the criminals are believed to be working in cahoots with security guards, domestic workers and company employees to obtain information about the movement of cash.
Last Thursday, three suspected armed robbers who were raiding banks and targeting individuals with large amounts of cash were killed in a shootout with detectives in Chitungwiza. The three and their other accomplices had also been planning to rob Old Mutual Centre in the city of US$1 million.