Businessman robbed
A HONDE Valley businessman endured a torrid time at the hands of seven gun-toting robbers who recently pounced on his residence and held his family hostage before robbing them of cash and cellphones, all valued at US$3 200.
Not even the rapid reaction by police officers from Ruda Police Station could scare away the determined robbers who were each armed with a firearm.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Norbert Muzondo confirmed the robbery which happened in Chigweshe Village in Chief Mutasa’s area.
The robbers also took away the businessman, Mr Blessing Chiwanza’s three vehicles’ keys.
“The seven who were all armed with pistols and wearing balaclavas invaded the Chiwanza homestead while they were having dinner.
Mr Chiwanza heard the dogs barking and instructed his 14-year-old daughter to go out and check. She quickly returned inside and informed her father about the armed robbers,” said Inspector Muzondo.
A phone call was made to Ruda Police Station notifying them about the development.
“Before the arrival of the police, the seven robbers stormed into the house through the unlocked main door. One of the suspects grabbed an employee, Ms Ndaizivei Mbona (39) by the collar and used her as a shield as the other accused gained entry into the house. Ms Mbona and two other people who were in the house were ordered to remain silent and lie on the floor,” said Inspector Muzondo. He said one of the suspects assaulted Mr Chiwanza several times, demanding that he surrenders his firearm.
“Mr Chiwanza insisted that he had none. He was forced to lie down, with the suspect demanding cash. He handed over the US$800 that was in his trousers pocket.
“Two of the suspects dragged Mr Chiwanza to his bedroom where he surrendered an additional US$2 000 to them. They also stole three cellphones and keys to a lorry, a Toyota Starlet and a Nissan pick-up truck. The total value of the stolen property is US$3 200,” said Inspector Muzondo.
He said as the police vehicle approached Mr Chiwanza’s home, one of the suspects fired three shots to the ground before fleeing from the scene. Three spent cartridges were recovered from the scene and the suspects managed to escape.
They are still at large.
Police are appealing to members of the public with information leading to the arrest of the seven to contact their nearest police station.
Inspector Muzondo urged business people to desist from keeping large sums of money in their homes and encouraged them to bank it since they are prime targets of armed robbers.