Cop attacked by two robbers while praying in the bush

A Beitbrdge policeman, Ranic Tawanda Chinguruve (29) was on Sunday evening attacked by two robbers armed with a machete while praying in a bushy area along the Beitbridge-Bulawayo Highway.

According to Chinguruve who is a member of an apostolic sect, the incident occurred around 6pm while he was praying alone at the church.

"I drove to a bushy area along the Beitbridge-Bulawayo road where we normally conduct prayer sessions. I then parked my car and knelt down ready to pray.

"Suddenly I heard footsteps and became suspicious and before I could react the two men who were armed with machetes confronted me."

He said the men attacked him while searching for valuables.

"The men took away R100 cash, a cellphone and the car keys and unlocked the vehicle and took away the radio. I am fortunate to be alive because these robbers were determined to cut off my head but I protected it with my hands. In the process I broke my right arm and sustained several cuts in the head.

"Soon after committing the offence, the duo disappeared into the bush," he said.

Chinguruve said the attackers left the car keys in the ignition and he managed to drive to the police station where he reported the matter.

He was later taken to Beitbridge district hospital.  He sustained a fractured hand and severe head injuries.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Sergeant Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident yesterday adding that investigations were in progress.