The Sunday Mail
Itai Mazire
Police in Harare have arrested 10 suspected criminals who have been terrorising unsuspecting commuters, robbing them of cash and valuables since January.Criminal Investigation Department acting spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Portia Chinho said police have launched a manhunt for the remaining gang members.
She said the robbers, who are members of two gangs, were arrested after their escape vehicle was involved in an accident as they tried to speed off from a crime scene.
“On March 17, 2014 at around 2000hrs, the accused picked up an unsuspecting commuter at Chisipite Shopping Centre who intended to go to his residence.
“On board were four men. The commuter omnibus travelled for about a kilometre along Enterprise Road.
“On approaching the intersection of Harare Drive and Enterprise Road, the omnibus turned left and travelled for less than 50 metres then the accused persons assaulted the complainant and demanded valuables from him.
“They stole a Nokia X2 cellular phone and US$100. After robbing the complainant, they pushed him out of the vehicle and sped away.
“On approaching the intersection, the accused persons did not give way and rammed into a Toyota Corolla. They again rammed into another vehicle and later abandoned the getaway vehicle and ran away.” She said the following week detectives tracked down one of the suspects in Highfield suburb, leading to the arrest of other gang members.
“On 22 March 2014, detectives received information which led to the arrest of one of the suspects at Machipisa Shopping Centre in Harare. He then implicated his two accomplices, who were followed up and arrested.
“The accused then implicated five other gang members who were cornered. On noticing the detectives, the accused persons bolted out of the motor vehicle and started running away in different directions.
“However, the detectives managed to apprehend them and they are now assisting police with investigations. The police are still looking for the other gang which operates with females and anyone with information should contact the nearest police station or CID Homicide at Harare Central Police Station.
“The police are also calling on members of the public who were victims of such robberies to come and identify their property at the CID Homicide offices,” she said.
