Armed robbers raid house in Chisipite

Jeremiah Mudonha Suburban Correspondent

A disturbing new trend of armed robberies in which  criminals are increasingly targeting both guarded and unguarded premises with one of the latest cases being the raid on a Chisipite house by armed robbers who made off with cash and property worth US$37 000.

This trend was revealed at a meeting held on Tuesday last week between the Zimbabwe Republic Police and representatives of security companies.

Officer Commanding Police Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru led the Zimbabwe Republic Police delegation to the meeting while senior management from various security companies represented their organisations.

At the meeting, security companies raised alarm about a troubling trend of armed robberies that are on the rise.

In yet another incident of this disturbing pattern, robbers raided a house in Chisipite, Harare, making off with cash and property valued at over US$37,000.

Harare Provincial police spokesperson, Insp Julius Luckmore Chakanza said the armed robbery occurred at the home of Wang Ruitano (37), a director of a local mining company, on Tuesday at 7.40pm on North Road in Chisipite.

“Wang was at home with two friends, Luan Anming and Sui Yadong when the assailants entered through an unlocked kitchen door.

“Armed with pistols, a steel bar and knife, the four intruders threatened the trio, demanding cash and valuables.

“In a terrifying turn of events, the robbers tied the victims’ hands behind their backs with cloths.

“The assailants ransacked the upstairs rooms but initially found no cash,” he said.

Insp Chakanza said they later discovered safes downstairs.

“They returned downstairs and discovered three safe boxes. Ruitano provided the keys to two of the boxes. However, the third larger box belonged to the property owner, Wellington Nyamande. Inside the accessible safe boxes, the robbers managed to find US$500. They continued to demand the keys to the larger safe and attempted to steal a cash box but were unsuccessful.”

He said the robbers then located a small bag belonging to Anming, which contained US$200 and a wallet belonging to Ruitano with US$6,300.

“In addition to cash, the robbers made off with two valuable wristwatches—one worth US$30,000 and another belonging to Anming valued at US$500.

“They fled the scene through the back dining room door, leaving their victims tied up,” said Insp Chakanza.

Insp Chakanza said investigations into the armed robbery are ongoing.

“We are actively pursuing leads in this case and seek public support in finding the culprits,” he said.

Insp Chakanza urged the community to remain vigilant.

“We advise the public to stay alert and avoid keeping large sums of money at home.

“It is crucial to intensify home security measures as armed robbers are currently on the prowl,” he said.

This incident has left the local community shaken, underscoring the urgent need for heightened security awareness.