News / National
Manhunt for robbers who stole guard's pistol
09 Dec 2024 at 06:50hrs | Views
Police in Matabeleland South have launched a manhunt for two suspects who reportedly raided a service station in West Nicholson, fleeing with a security guard's pistol after failing to gain access to cash.
The incident took place last week on Monday at approximately 8pm at the Energy Park Service Station, where two armed men attempted to rob the establishment. According to Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, the suspects were armed with knives and tried to force their way into the office, but were thwarted by the quick thinking of the security guard, Mr. Knowledge Mungopa.
"The informant was guarding Energy Park Service Station when two unidentified men arrived armed with knives. They grabbed Mr. Mungopa and demanded access to the office. Mr. Mungopa managed to alert his workmate, who was inside the office. The workmate quickly secured the door, preventing the suspects from entering," explained Asst Insp Mguni.
In an attempt to scare off the robbers, Mungopa fired two warning shots into the air. However, the suspects managed to wrestle Mungopa's service pistol from him before fleeing the scene on foot.
"The suspects took Mr. Mungopa's service pistol and fled from the scene. No arrests or recoveries have been made," said Asst Insp Mguni.
The robbery was reported to the police, who responded promptly to the scene. Investigations are underway, and police are urging members of the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects.
Asst Insp Mguni also cautioned business owners, particularly as the festive season approaches. He warned that the period often sees an increase in robbery and theft cases.
"I urge business owners to be extra vigilant during the festive season, as this time of year often sees a spike in criminal activities. It's important for businesses to ensure that their premises are properly guarded at all times with trained personnel," he advised.
He further recommended that business owners refrain from keeping large sums of money on the premises, as this increases the risk of becoming a target.
Police in the province are stepping up their efforts to curb criminal activity, with additional foot, horse, and vehicle patrols being conducted. Asst Insp Mguni appealed to the public to report any suspicious activities to the police in order to maintain safety throughout the festive period.
The incident took place last week on Monday at approximately 8pm at the Energy Park Service Station, where two armed men attempted to rob the establishment. According to Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, the suspects were armed with knives and tried to force their way into the office, but were thwarted by the quick thinking of the security guard, Mr. Knowledge Mungopa.
"The informant was guarding Energy Park Service Station when two unidentified men arrived armed with knives. They grabbed Mr. Mungopa and demanded access to the office. Mr. Mungopa managed to alert his workmate, who was inside the office. The workmate quickly secured the door, preventing the suspects from entering," explained Asst Insp Mguni.
In an attempt to scare off the robbers, Mungopa fired two warning shots into the air. However, the suspects managed to wrestle Mungopa's service pistol from him before fleeing the scene on foot.
"The suspects took Mr. Mungopa's service pistol and fled from the scene. No arrests or recoveries have been made," said Asst Insp Mguni.
The robbery was reported to the police, who responded promptly to the scene. Investigations are underway, and police are urging members of the public to come forward with any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects.
Asst Insp Mguni also cautioned business owners, particularly as the festive season approaches. He warned that the period often sees an increase in robbery and theft cases.
"I urge business owners to be extra vigilant during the festive season, as this time of year often sees a spike in criminal activities. It's important for businesses to ensure that their premises are properly guarded at all times with trained personnel," he advised.
He further recommended that business owners refrain from keeping large sums of money on the premises, as this increases the risk of becoming a target.
Police in the province are stepping up their efforts to curb criminal activity, with additional foot, horse, and vehicle patrols being conducted. Asst Insp Mguni appealed to the public to report any suspicious activities to the police in order to maintain safety throughout the festive period.
Source - The Chronicle
