Trio loses phones, cash to robbers who had offered them transport

Arron Nyamayaro

TWO women and a man lost cash and valuables to robbers after boarding private vehicles.

Chipo Madziwa (30) of Kuwadzana lost her laptop, cellphone, jacket and power bank all worth US$700 after she was offered a lift from Sam Levy’s Village in Borrowdale to town, at midday on Monday.

The robbers dumped her along Borrowdale Road and sped off.

Faith Magara (30) from Eastlea, lost cash and her cellphone, with a combined value of US$350, after boarding a white Toyota Prado from Msasa to Eastlea at around 11.30pm.

Faith was dumped along Hillside Extension Road and sought help from a security guard manning a nearby premise.

Tinashe Ziunye (36) from Juru Growth Point lost US$362, a cellphone, sneakers, a sling bag and wallet containing bank cards, with a total value of US$500.

Tinashe boarded a grey Toyota Prado at Simon Muzenda Bus Terminus at around 7pm on Tuesday intending to go to Juru Growth Point.

He was dumped in Highlands.

Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, said no arrests have been made.

“Police are investigating cases involving plain and armed robberies where desperate transport seekers lost cash and their valuables after boarding private vehicles,” said Insp Chakanza.

“We continue to urge people to avoid boarding private vehicles which include mishikashika since some of them are being used to commit crimes.

“We urge people to avoid travelling at night, and to plan their journeys.

“We also encourage them to use authorised public transport under Zimbabwe United Passenger Company Organisation (ZUPCO).”