News / Regional
Taxi operators targeted by armed robbers
20 Aug 2013 at 05:42hrs | Views
POLICE in Gweru have warned taxi operators and drivers to be wary of armed carjackers who are on the prowl in the province targeting taxis. Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko yesterday said three taxi drivers were robbed of their cars by armed men in similar fashion over the weekend. He said the police were hunting for the suspects.
"In the first incident, a taxi driver was robbed of his car by three men who were armed with knives and a pistol on Saturday. The incident happened at about 7.30pm at Ridgemont area. The three had hired the taxi from the city centre," said Insp Mahoko.
"As they arrived at Ridgemont, the three 'passengers' drew out knives and a pistol, robbed the taxi driver, Mr Watson Beira, of his cellphone, $32 cash and drove away in the taxi. All the stolen items had a value of $4 050."
Insp Mahoko said another taxi driver lost his car to two men in Zvishavane rural at 4am on Saturday.
He said the two had "hired" the taxi from Zvishavane Town to Chief Mapanzure's area.
"The two suspects hired the taxi after offering the driver $20. They drove for about 20km and the driver was ordered to turn left where he drove a further two kilometres before he was ordered to stop.
One of the robbers produced a $50 note intending to pay. The driver gave him $30 change before the suspect had handed him the $50 note. The suspect suddenly pushed the driver to the ground and punched him before diving onto the driver's seat and drove off at high speed towards De Beers area. The two suspects are still at large," said Insp Mahoko.
Another taxi was also carjacked in Mkoba Village 6 on Sunday at about 4am by two men. Insp Mahoko said the two had "hired" the taxi from Mkoba Village Four.
"When the gang arrived at Mkoba Golf Course, they alighted from the car and pulled the driver out. They went on to punch him forcing him to flee leaving his car. The assailants drove away in the taxi which was later found dumped in Mkoba Village 4 area," said Insp Mahoko.
He appealed to members of the public who might have information that could help in the arrest of the suspects to approach their nearest police station.
"In the first incident, a taxi driver was robbed of his car by three men who were armed with knives and a pistol on Saturday. The incident happened at about 7.30pm at Ridgemont area. The three had hired the taxi from the city centre," said Insp Mahoko.
"As they arrived at Ridgemont, the three 'passengers' drew out knives and a pistol, robbed the taxi driver, Mr Watson Beira, of his cellphone, $32 cash and drove away in the taxi. All the stolen items had a value of $4 050."
Insp Mahoko said another taxi driver lost his car to two men in Zvishavane rural at 4am on Saturday.
He said the two had "hired" the taxi from Zvishavane Town to Chief Mapanzure's area.
"The two suspects hired the taxi after offering the driver $20. They drove for about 20km and the driver was ordered to turn left where he drove a further two kilometres before he was ordered to stop.
One of the robbers produced a $50 note intending to pay. The driver gave him $30 change before the suspect had handed him the $50 note. The suspect suddenly pushed the driver to the ground and punched him before diving onto the driver's seat and drove off at high speed towards De Beers area. The two suspects are still at large," said Insp Mahoko.
Another taxi was also carjacked in Mkoba Village 6 on Sunday at about 4am by two men. Insp Mahoko said the two had "hired" the taxi from Mkoba Village Four.
"When the gang arrived at Mkoba Golf Course, they alighted from the car and pulled the driver out. They went on to punch him forcing him to flee leaving his car. The assailants drove away in the taxi which was later found dumped in Mkoba Village 4 area," said Insp Mahoko.
He appealed to members of the public who might have information that could help in the arrest of the suspects to approach their nearest police station.
Source - chronicle
