Gold dealer loses $2 400 to toy-gun wielding robbers

A Shurugwi gold dealer lost $2 400 and a cellphone after three toy-gun wielding robbers pounced on him while on his way home, police have said.

The man, whose name could not be immediately availed, but is aged 34, later fought with one of the suspects after realising that they were armed with a toy-gun, but could only succeed in wrestling the toy-gun away from the suspect.

Acting police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the incident occurred on Wednesday at about 1am.

"Allegations are that the complainant, a 34-year-old male adult from Makusha Township, was walking in the company of a friend towards Tshuma Gold Mine in Shurugwi Town when they met three suspects, who suddenly blocked their way," he said.

Asst Insp Mahoko said one of the suspects drew out a "firearm" and pointed it at the complainant.

He said the suspects ordered the complainant's friend to leave the scene before they proceeded to search the complainant's pockets.

"They took $2 400 and an LG cellphone.

"After the robbery the three suspects walked away, but the complainant continued to pursue them from a distance," he said.

Asst Insp Mahoko said upon realising  that the complainant was following them, one of the suspects, who was holding the "firearm" threatened to shoot the complainant.

"The complainant, who suspected that the firearm could be a toy gun after they failed to fire a single shot, later chased after one of the 'armed' robbers before he caught up with him," he said.

Asst Insp Mahoko said the complainant wrestled with the suspect and "disarmed" him.

"During the scuffle, the complainant sustained some injuries, but the suspect managed to escape after being 'disarmed'. The complainant later reported the robbery at Shurugwi Police Station.

Insp Mahoko said police have since launched a manhunt for the three suspects.