Armed robbers hit Delta depot, loot US$40 000

Four armed robbers pounced on the Delta Beverages depot in Rusape on Monday evening, making off with an estimated US$40 000 in cash after blasting open company safes.

The suspects, who are still at large, reportedly cut through the depot's perimeter fence before overpowering three security guards who were on duty at the time.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, although he said the exact amount stolen could not be disclosed as investigations are still in progress.

"Yes, we can confirm that police are handling an armed robbery case where armed robbers attacked the Delta depot in Rusape after subduing security guards and blew the safes. We do not have the actual figures stolen at the moment, but we are investigating that robbery case," said Commissioner Nyathi.

A source close to the investigations said the attackers, whose faces were concealed with balaclavas, struck during the night and swiftly neutralised the guards.

The armed robbers allegedly seized firearms from the unsuspecting security guards, forced them to lock a security dog in its kennel and sprayed their eyes with pepper spray.

They then handcuffed the guards, confiscated their mobile phones and force-marched them into the company's cash office.

Once inside, the suspects allegedly used explosives to blast open three safes containing the cash, before looting the money and fleeing into the darkness.

One of the security guards later managed to free himself from the handcuffs and assisted his colleagues before reporting the incident at Rusape Central Police Station.

No arrests or recoveries have been made so far. Police are appealing to members of the public with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to report to their nearest police station.