Armed robbers target haulage trucks

POLICE here are warning drivers to be wary of armed robbers targeting heavily loaded and slow moving trucks along the Harare-Chirundu Highway during the night.

This emerged last week when police received a report of an incident in which a gang of armed robbers attacked a driver at the 164-kilometre peg on the highway.

In an interview, Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara called on truck drivers to be alert.

He said six robbers, who were hiding along the highway jumped on to a moving haulage truck and threatened to attack Mr Archmore Mabvurunge with machetes before stealing some goods and cash from him.

“The incident occurred at around 4am when Mr Mabvurunge slowed down and the six culprits took advantage of the slow movement of the truck to climb on the trailer.

“They then cut the air brake pipes, causing the truck to stop.

“Some of them started throwing stones at the driver, while others smashed the windscreen with machetes.”

Insp Mabgweazara said the robbers went away with US$400, $80 bond notes, a dell laptop, a toolbox and some clothes, all amounting to $2 160.

Mr Mabvurunge reported the matter to Karoi Police Station.

Insp Mabgweazara said investigations were in progress.

He said the police were appealing to anyone from the community who might have information on the whereabouts of the accused persons to notify the police.