Police urge tightening of security

Talent Gore

POLICE have advised businesses to tighten security at their premises following a surge in robberies around the country.

National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, yesterday said daring robbers were using dangerous weapons such as guns, machetes, axes and knives to intimidate victims and gain entry into business premises.

Asst Comm Nyathi’s call came after a robbery at Rosa Mine in Chiweshe where three robbers, with an unidentified pistol, stole 375 litres of diesel.

“Police in Chombira arrested Tawanda Kedius Takaendesa (38) and Takesure Motsi (32) in connection with a case of robbery which occurred at Rosa 10 Mine, Chiweshe,” he said.

“The suspects, together with one Lawrence Shereni, still at large, pounced at the mine while armed with an unidentified pistol and fired one shot before calling a group of unknown male adults to invade the mine.

“They allegedly vandalised floodlights at the mine and chased away the security guards before stealing 375 litres of diesel and seven tonnes of gold ore.

“The security guards apprehended the two suspects, and the police impounded a Mercedes Benz (AFK 8474) and a BMW (AFA 9417) they used in committing the offence.”

Another robbery case happened in Kadoma where a gold dealer lost US$18 500 in cash to armed robbers.

“The ZRP is investigating a robbery case which occurred in Rimuka, Kadoma, where an unknown suspect, armed with an unidentified pistol, attacked a gold dealer at his residence and stole US$18 500 in cash,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

“After stealing the money, the suspect shot the complainant in the palm and disappeared into the darkness.”

Ass Comm Nyathi said another robbery, at company premises, happened in Msasa.

“The ZRP is investigating a robbery case, which occurred in Msasa, where four unknown suspects, armed with two unidentified pistols and crowbars, broke a pre-cast wall to gain entry into a company’s premises before attacking the two security guards,” he said.

“The suspects proceeded to the company offices, where they broke a safe and stole US$30 000 in cash and keys for a Toyota Hilux single cab (AFB 6321), before driving away with the company vehicle.”