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By Purity Marungisa
Police have warned truck drivers along the Harare-Chirundu highway to be cautious as robbers are targeting them during the night.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi raised the alarm through a statement Thursday.
He said police investigations revealed that the criminals are waylaying drivers on stretches at Mapinga and Mtala mountains as well as at places along the 160km to 170km peg on the highway.
The syndicate is targeting trucks travelling uphill at low speeds during late hours between 7pm and 5am.
“The criminals are robbing drivers and passengers of personal belongings which include cash, cell-phones and laptops, diesel and the load being carried by the trucks,” he said.
He urged truck drivers to avoid travelling during late hours and to stop picking passengers along the way as some of them turned to be robbers.
“Truck drivers are warned against picking passengers and avoid moving during the night and where possible, move in convoys,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Last week police busted a criminal syndicate comprising of members from the security services following a spate of robberies around the country’s highways.
The gang of 11 consisted of a serving member in the Zimbabwe Republic Police, ex-members from the Zimbabwe National Army and Intelligence Services as well as civilians.
Meanwhile, two men armed with knives were arrested Thursday morning during a foiled robbery attempt at a house located in Old Mabvuku.
“On 11 January 2023 a swift reaction by the Police in Mabvuku led to the arrest of Jabulani Ngwenya (34) and Wayne Nyamusa (21) in connection with a case of robbery which was in progress at a house in Old Mabvuku.
“The suspects and their two other accomplices had pounced at the house before stabbing two complainants with knives while demanding cash. The complainants shouted for help from neighbours who in turn alerted the Police,” the ZRP said.
Police urged members of the public not to hesitate to report any form of crime they come across in order for the perpetrators to be immediately accounted for. Nhau/Indaba
