Police launch manhunt for armed robbers

Prisca Manyiwa-Masuku

Zimbabwe Republic POLICE IN Midlands Province have launched a manhunt for armed robbery suspects who robbed a 39-year-old man of money and property valued at, US$1600 in Zhombe, on Thursday morning.

 A gang of four armed robbers were reportedly offered transport by Thomas Matipedza, along Gokwe road in the pretext of being passengers. However, after driving for a few kilometers in a bushy area the gang ordered Matipedza to change route, at gunpoint.  

“Zimbabwe Republic Police reports a case of robbery in which a 39-year-old Kwekwe man was robbed of cash and property valued at US$1600-00. The incident occurred on 16 February 2023 around 0530 hours along Gokwe road.

“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information that can help in arresting the suspects to visit any nearest police station,` said Midland ZRP Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.

Circumstances surrounding the robbery incident are that, the victim, Matipedza was driving his motor vehicle, a Nissan Hardbody pickup registration number ADV4664 from Amaveni to Bobbies, Zhombe without any passengers.

Upon reaching Ivanhoe Mine turnoff, along Gokwe Road he allegedly offered transport to four men who indicated to be going to Tiger Reef Mine in Kwekwe.

When they arrived at Tiger Reef Mine two of the passengers` pulled pistols and ordered Matipedza to drive along Silobela Road, which he did for about 8km until he was ordered to stop.

The four searched Matipedza and took cash US$1000-00 from his pocket and a Tokarev 9mm pistol.

Two of the suspects disembarked from the vehicle and walked towards Kwekwe while the other two remained with the complainant.

 After about three hours the remaining two suspects ordered their victim to drive to Kwekwe along Old Gokwe Road. When they arrived at Harven Estate farm, the two disembarked from the vehicle and ordered Matipedza to turn and drive back towards Gokwe road, as they went away.

The Tokarev 9mm pistol was picked up along the Kwekwe-Gokwe tarred road, and it is believed that it was dropped by the suspects, when they travelled along the road.