Carjackers nabbed in Rusape, Wedza
TWO suspected criminals who allegedly hijacked a KB Isuzu truck and stole three cellphones – all valued at $9 200 – belonging to Patrick Makowa (37) of Yeovil medium-density suburb in Mutare were last week arrested in Wedza and Rusape.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Enock Chishiri, on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of Ekem Rwatirera (39), of Farm 202, Zviyambe, Wedza and Wilbert Kaseke (26), of 1134 ZBS, Rusape, on robbery charges.
Detectives first swopped on Rwatirera at Nhekairo Business Centre in Wedza where he was in possession of the vehicle.
“Rwatirera was arrested in his home area in possession of the stolen KB Isuzu truck and two Nokia handsets. A further search in the vehicle led to the recovery of an Okapi knife and a black toy gun that was hidden in a black satchel at the back of the seat.
“These are the weapons we suspect were used in the commission of the offence,” said Insp Chishiri.
Insp Chishiri said Kaseke was arrested at his home in Rusape and one stolen cellphone was recovered from him.
“We also recovered a gasoline generator that we suspect was stolen from Nyabadza Business Centre. The suspects are in police custody and assisting with investigations,” he said.
Circumstances are that on November 23, the two approached and hired Makowa, of Chimoio Street in Yeovil, Mutare, to Penhalonga, on the understanding that they wanted him to ferry their household property to Mutare Prison Farm.
Makowa agreed and charged them $40 for the job. They three left Mutare around 5pm. On arriving at St Augustine’s Turnoff, the two suspects ordered Makowa to turn into a dusty road. After driving for about 200 metres off the tarred road, they ordered Makowa to stop.
One of the suspects allegedly produced a toy pistol and demanded the car keys. They forcibly took three Nokia handsets from Makowa and the car keys from the ignition. Makowa tried to wrestle them to get back his car keys, but the other suspect drew an Okapi knife and stubbed him once on the right hand.
He bled profusely and the pair tied his hands and legs with a nylon rope before bundling him into the vehicle’s loading box. Makowa sustained a deep cut on the right hand as well as minor injuries on the head. He was referred to Mutare Provincial Hospital where he was treated and discharged.
The robbers drove the vehicle towards Christmas Pass and dumped a tied Makowa in a bush at Imbeza Turnoff. They sped off. Makowa was later helped by an unknown passer-by who took him to ZRP Penhalonga where he made a report.
ZRP Penhalonga in conjunction with CID and Canine Mutare attended the scene and recovered Makowa’s pair of shoes and a car radio remote controller only. Manica Post
