Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
POLICE in Manicaland have raised alarm over a surge in armed robberies and scams targeted at unsuspecting tobacco farmers, a good number of whom have lost bales and cash realised from sales.
Since the marketing season began in March, conmen have flocked to Rusape where nine contract auction floors are operating, preying on farmers from prominent tobacco-producing areas such as Headlands, Nyazura, Nyamajura and Odzi as well as those from Wedza and Macheke from the neighbouring Mashonaland East Province.
Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the sad developments and warned tobacco growers against criminals targeting their fat pockets and wallets.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said some tobacco growers have lost cash through robberies after being spotted withdrawing large amounts at bank booths located at the auction floors.
He also warned tobacco growers against travelling at night when transporting bales, and avoid splashing cash in public as such behaviour attracts thieves.
“Police in Rusape District would like to conscientise all the farmers from areas such as Headlands, Inyati Mine, Nyazura, Mayo, Odzi and Nyamajura to be on the lookout for robbers, who are moving around these places robbing them of their hard earned tobacco produce and money.
“The tobacco marketing season, which started early in March, has seen a hive of activity in Rusape town, and tobacco growing hubs. Nine tobacco auction floors are operating in Rusape. This has attracted criminals from different parts of the country.
“There are con artists who are masquerading as officials of tobacco auction floors. These conmen are targeting farmers bringing tobacco for auctioning and lure them on the pretext that they will facilitate that their tobacco be paid high prices, with payment being made promptly.
“The conmen will then monitor the farmers as they withdraw their money on cash boots located at the auction floors. They will then track down the farmers, and upon reaching secluded areas, pounce on them.
“Armed robbers are also targeting farmers transporting their tobacco to auction floors and rob them of their tobacco. These criminals are barricading roads with logs and stones with the intention to rob farmers of their crop. Police would like to encourage farmers against travelling to auction floors during the night as they expose themselves to these robbers, and should not entertain strangers before and after selling their produce. Splashing cash in public also attracts robbers,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Last week five unknown armed robbers attacked a tobacco delivery truck along the Rusape-Ruura Road, and made off with 41 bales worth at least US$17 010 that were being transported to Sub-Sahara Auction Floors in Rusape.
The incident, which has sent chills down the spines of tobacco farmers, occurred on April 7 around 2am when the truck that was being driven by Mr Blessing Mutyakureva (24) was transporting the consignment.
The robbers blocked the road with large stones and logs and when the truck crew stopped to remove the barricades the five assailants emerged from the bushes, armed with knobkerries and machetes, and smashed the front windshield of the truck.
Mr Mutyakureva was heavily assaulted and sustained serious injuries, including losing two front teeth and a deep cut below the right eye, while his three colleagues aboard the truck suffered swollen ankles and also complained of back pain.
The road was detoured with four large stones, and when Mr Mutyakureva stopped to remove the boulders, five men wearing balaclavas and armed with knobkerries and machetes emerged from the bush.
They smashed the front windshield of the truck, before britalising Messrs Mutyakureva, Cloud Nyamano (33), Winfield Tanavapi (45) and Zvenyika Mungoriyo (40) with stones and logs.
Tobacco Farmers Union of Zimbabwe president Mr Victor Mariranyika said farmers must be vigilant and safeguard both their crop and earnings, and called on merchants to screen people who access their auction floors.
Online Reporter