Businessman robbed cash and goods

ARMED robbers recently pounced on a Mutare businessman and made good their escape with $1 100, two laptops, jewellery and a pistol all valued at $20 000.

The two masked robbers who were also wielding machetes assaulted Christopher Holland (62) and threatened to kill him before they vanished with the loot. The incident happened at Holland’s residence near the Central Business District.

Police have launched a manhunt to bring the two robbers to book.

Holland arrived home from work on February 3 at around 8:30pm and started watching television when two masked men with a pistol and machete stormed into his house.

“They assaulted him demanding cash. They tied his hands with a rope. They threatened to kill him if ever he screamed for help. He handed over a wallet which contained identity and bank cards as well as $1 100. They also stole two laptops, jewellery and a pistol before disappearing. A maid, Sekai Kadzura untied him and reported the matter to the police,” said Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa.

He appealed for information which will lead to the arrest of the duo. He said anyone with information should contact their nearest police station.

In an unrelated case, a 33-year old man, Norman Moyo, was last week robbed of $860, power bank, travelling bag and an Iphone 5 by three robbers who were armed with metal bars. The incident happened at the 172km peg along Tanganda-Ngundu Road in Chipinge on February 4.

Police said Moyo boarded a Honda Fit at Save Growth Point in Chiredzi. The car was carrying three people including the driver.

Upon approaching the 172 km peg, the driver stopped the vehicle and one of the accused who was seated besides Moyo demanded cash and goods from the latter. He resisted and disembarked from the vehicle. One of the robbers produced a metal bar and assaulted Moyo heavily all over his body. He fell down and two of the suspects grabbed his Iphone 5, power bank, travelling bag and a brown wallet.