Robbers strike at service station . . . get away with $1 000 cash

SEVEN armed robbers attacked a service station at Birchenough Bridge Business Centre last aturday and left behind explosives before making good their escape with about $1 000 cash.

Police in Chipinge have since launched a manhunt for theseven suspects who left behind explosives at Selgate Investments at Birchenough Bridge.

Chipinge District police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Blessing Kadzuraumera confirmed the incident which occurred at around 2am at Birchenough Bridge Growth Point in Buhera.

Asst Insp Kadzuraumera said the complainant, Farai Neshumba (38) and Heria Mutobvi (44) both from Chief Chamutsa’s area ,who are employed as security guards at Selgate Investments , were attacked by seven armed robbers on the said date.

“The seven unknown accused persons proceeded to Selgate Investments where they cut the fence and gained entry into the premises.

“The suspects who were armed with a suspected rifle, metal rod and two machetes grabbed Neshumba and assaulted him with the side of a machete. They then handcuffed him before tying his legs with a wire.

“They covered his mouth with a piece of cloth,” he said and added: “The seven robbers proceeded to where Mutobvi was and pointed the rifle on him. They ordered him to lie down.”

Asst Insp Kadzuraumera said the suspects tied him using a wire. They allegedly covered his mouth with a piece of cloth before dumping him in a nearby building.

He added that two of the suspects were left guarding the two complainants while the others proceeded to the offices where they gained entry by removing three sheets of asbestoses.

“Once inside, the robbers came across safe keys in the offices which they used to steal $750 that was inside the safe. They also proceeded to the engine oil section where they stole $200 before disappearing from the scene.

“Mutobvi later screamed for help alerting Chamunorwa Gwamura who reported the matter to the police that same day.

“At the scene, the police found out that the robbers had set dynamite to blast the safe. They only stopped after locating the safe keys. Other explosives were also recovered from the scene.

“All the seven suspects are still at large and investigations are in progress,” said Asst Insp Kadzuraumera.