FARMER DRUGGED, ROBBED:

A TOBACCO farmer lost $2 800 to criminals after they drugged him during a beer-drinking binge at the Tobacco Sales Floor (TSF) in Harare.

The thieves proceeded to buy household goods worth $2 600 using the money.

Police have since arrested one of the suspects, Witness Taurai Magumbu alias Rasta (32). His accomplices are on the run. Police say there is a syndicate targeting tobacco farmers at the auction floors.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Simon Chazovachii confirmed the arrest yesterday.

He said the suspect was assisting police with investigations and is expected to appear in court soon.

Magumbu was arrested in Epworth on Independence Day.

He led police to the recovery of all the goods they bought using the stolen money.

“On April 16 and at around 0100 hours at Tobacco Sales Floor in Southerton area, one of the accused persons only identified as Lancho stole the complainant’s black wallet that was containing a bank ATM card and his national identity card. The complainant (Kenneth Mubaiwa) had sold his tobacco bales and had $2 800 in his CBZ bank account,” said Asst Insp Chazovachii.

He said the three bought three TV stands, three amplifiers, three DVD players, three generators, blankets and three 32 inch television sets. — Herald Reporter.