Manhunt for cop-robbing pair

POLICE have launched a manhunt for two male suspects who got a lift from a police officer pretending to be stranded passengers and subsequently robbed the “Good Samaritan” at the 52km peg along Chivhu-Roy highway in Gutu.

Masvingo acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa confirmed the incident and said investigations were currently underway.

Police have since advised motorists to be wary of robbers who pretend to be genuine passengers.

Sources said on April 23, 2018 at around 3pm, Patrick Musenyereki (29), a police officer stationed at Chikurubi Support Unit, was travelling from Harare to Gutu.

He stopped at Chicken Inn to relieve himself. One of the assailants then asked him for a lift to Gutu.

The suspect sat in the rear passenger seat of the vehicle, a Peugeot.

It is believed that when they arrived at Gutu Turn-off just outside Chivhu, the second suspect waived for a lift and the officer obliged.

He occupied the front passenger seat. The complainant and his newly found friends exchanged light-hearted banter while on their way.

However, upon arrival at the 52km peg, the suspect who was seated on the front seat asked the complainant to drop him off, pretending to have arrived at his destination.

He then produced an Okapi knife and ordered the police officer to surrender all his valuables. The suspect seated on the rear passenger seat also produced a pistol and threatened the police officer.

He then surrendered $25, a medical aid card, bank cards and a Samsung Galaxy J7 phone.

After collecting their loot, the duo reportedly ordered the officer to switch off his car engine and hand over the car keys.

The police officer, however, switched off the car engine and bolted with the car keys.

He eventually sought refuge at a homestead that is approximately 100 metres from the scene.

The suspects then fled, leaving the parked vehicle.

The complainant reported the matter to police at Mupandawana Growth Point.

The property stolen was valued at $634.