Toy gun gang in $7 000 heist

FOUR masked robbers suspected to be using a toy gun pounced on a Service Station at Mandamabwe Business Centre in Chivi, Masvingo on Monday night and got away with $7 000, police have confirmed.

A security guard who tried the robbers was severely and is admitted at Zvishavane Hospital.

A police spokesperson confirmed the robbery but said they were yet to receive further details.

Mr Edward Ganyani, the Service Station owner who is popularly known in Gweru as Mboma, also confirmed the robbery but declined to comment further saying police to stop assaulted District were handling the matter.

“I can confirm the robbery at my garage at Mandamabwe Business Centre and the robbers got away with $7 000,” he said.

Sources close to the robbery incident said the robbers could have used a toy gun to commit the crime.

The sources said despite spirited resistance from the security guard, only identified as Felix, the suspects did not fire a single shot to threaten their victims.

“What is surprising is that when these robbers pounced on the garage, the guard fought them and instead of shooting him, they tied his hands and feet with a piece of rope before they assaulted him all over the body.

“The other robbers remained assaulting the guard while others force-marched the petrol attendant to where the money was being kept,” said a source.

The source said the robbers, who were travelling in an unregistered getaway car, drove along the Zvishavane-Masvingo Highway with their loot.

“The drove in the direction of Masvingo city and only yesterday police were back at the scene trying to find out if the robbers ever fired a shot,” said the source.