Machete gang pounces on farmer, steals truck in Old Mutare

A local man lost a lorry to a gang of machete wielding robbers who besieged his plot in Brooksview Old Mutare.

Police confirmed the incident saying three of the suspects were nabbed at a roadblock in Hwedza along Chivhu road by police details.

Acting provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said the complainant Ananias Mautire (46) of Plot 23, Brooksview Old Mutare was sleeping at home when the robbers pounced on him at around 0130am.

The robbers identified as Simon Jingo (35) of Chief Chisi Gutu, Peter Kasu (28) of Chief Tangwena Nyanga, Kudakwashe Chafundika (25) of Chief Chihota Marondera and two unknown suspects were armed with machetes and sticks.

“When they broke into the house they started assaulting Mautire with sticks all over the body demanding keys of his vehicle. Fearing for his life, Mautire surrendered the keys to the robbers,” said Asst. Insp. Chinyoka.

After committing the offence, they took an Itel cellphone worth $20 and tied Mautire and his wife with shoelaces. Mautire managed to untie himself and reported the matter at Penhalonga Police Station.

“Penhalonga Police Station alerted Dorowa police who reacted swiftly and launched a manhunt for the suspects.

Three of the robbers namely Chafundika, Kasu and Jingo were arrested in Hwedza along Chivhu road while the other two are still on the run,“ said the police spokesperson.

Police managed to recover the vehicle, generator and homemade firearm.

The trio has since appeared in court and were remanded in custody.

“As police, we urge members of the public to secure their properties by putting some security mechanism that deter robbers and thieves,” said Chinyoka. Nehanda Radio