Indian businessman robbed $40,000 in Zimbabwe

An Indian businessman has been robbed of US$40 000 cash by a group of thieves at his shop in Harare.

Police confirmed the robbery, saying investigations are underway to apprehend the culprits.

Police Acting Senior Staff Officer - Press and Public Relations, Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said the Indian businessman, whose name has been withheld, was robbed by a gang of thieves who were reportedly driving a blue Mercedes Benz without registration numbers.

"Investigations are underway but the police will not rule out that the syndicate involves internal employees," he added.

Chief Superintendent Nyathi appealed to the public and business people to bank their money to avoid such incidents.

Observers noted that the incident which comes at a time the monetary authorities are working around the clock to create a banking culture prompts for a need to investigate local businesses banking cultures as they are accused of contributing to the cash crisis.

The robbery also sends a clear message to those holding on to large sums of cash of the risk of falling prey to such syndicates.