Machete gangs resurface

CRIMINAL gangs wielding machetes have resurfaced in Mutare, pouncing on unsuspecting residents especially in low density areas in the dead of the night — a few months after such cases had subsided.

The Manica Post has learnt that a 38-yearold woman had the unwelcome visitors at her Murambi East home in the wee hours of Monday.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the incident, and said the victim, Ms Lucia Masiya was struck by a machete by two unknown assailants in her Murambi East house.

“The incident happened on Monday around 3am in Murambi East, Mutare. The complainant, Ms Lucia Masiya (38) heard noise from her children’s room, and went to investigate.

“She met two unknown men who struck her using the flat side of the machete before escaping with two cellphones, an Itel 516 Pro, Huawei Honor 5A and a 14-inch Keson television set. However, the television set was dropped on their way out of the premise,” he said.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged residents in leafy suburbs of Mutare to intensify security at their homes. He said the police have also increased patrols in the area.

“We would like to urge residents in leafy suburbs of Mutare to intensify security around their homes because indications are that machete gangs are back.

“As the police, we are also increasing our presence in these suburbs. We are using our dog section, Ferret teams as well as motorised patrols,” he said.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka bemoaned the behaviour of some residents in these suburbs who deliberately leave their windows open.

“It is sad that while we are trying to protect residents and their properties, we have noticed during patrols that some of them leave their windows open, while some gather outside their homes on account of hot weather,” he said.