Chronicle Editor
Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
A MOTORIST was attacked and robbed at gunpoint by three unidentified men who got away with his car, $1 800, R4 600 and a smart phone along the Masvingo –Beitbridge Road.
Mr Philip Matshilipo (32) of Harare was driving towards Beitbridge when he gave his attackers a lift at the 268KM peg around 11PM on Saturday.
His car was later recovered at Beitbridge Border Post on Sunday morning.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the robbery.
“We received a report of a motorist who was robbed at gunpoint by three unknown men. The robbers, who had asked for a lift along Masvingo- Beitbridge, later turned on the driver and robbed him at gun point. Total value of stolen goods was $8 900 but the car has been recovered.
“The robbers are still at large and we appeal to anyone with information that may lead to their arrest to contact their nearest police station,” he said.
Insp Ndebele appealed to motorists to avoid giving lifts to strangers.
“Motorists should desist from giving lifts to strangers especially at night as they risk being robbed or even losing lives. They should never stop along highways as callous robbers are on a spree. We warn motorists everyday but they always give a deaf ear. We are advising them to take heed of police warnings as these are for their safety,” he said.
A source who preferred anonymity said Matshilipo was robbed in a manner similar to a number of recent incidents along the highway.
“Three unidentified men stopped him and asked for a lift from Masvingo to Beitbridge. Along the way, one of them who sat behind the driver asked for a recess. When he stopped, the one who sat in the front seat produced a pistol and pointed it at him. The third man started searching the driver and took away his cash and cellphone before they threw him out of the car.
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