Online Reporter
Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
IN a daring heist, five robbers armed with machetes raided Riplemade Farm in Rusape and made off with 12 bales of tobacco after overpowering the security guard early this week.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident and said police have since launched a manhunt for the suspects.
“On Monday Simbarashe Kamunhukamwe (38) reported for duty to provide security at the premises. At around 11pm day, the security guard was confronted by five unknown men wearing balaclavas and armed with machetes.
“After overpowering, the suspects pushed him into the guardroom and started assaulting him. They searched his pockets and took his cellphone and the keys to the main gate. One of the assailants then produced a sharp object and stabbed Kamunhukamwe in the back before tying his hands and feet with a rope,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the suspects drove an unidentified vehicle to one of the grading sheds where they loaded 12 bales of tobacco before speeding off.
“After the suspects fled, Kamunhukamwe managed to hop to the nearby farm where he alerted Uriri Uriri (48) about the robbery,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The matter was reported to the ZRP Rusape Urban, who attended the scene and found vehicle tire marks leading towards the Mutare-Harare Highway.
The total value of the stolen goods is estimated at US$7 039 and nothing has been recovered.
