News / National
Armed robbery gang targets industrial areas
2 hrs ago |
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Authorities in Mutare are investigating a series of violent and well-coordinated armed robberies believed to have been carried out by a gang targeting businesses in the city's Nyakamete Industrial Area.
The incidents, confirmed by acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, involved attacks on security personnel, forced entry into offices, and attempts to break into safes using explosives and power tools.
Police say investigations are ongoing, with no arrests made so far.
In the first reported incident, six masked suspects ambushed a security guard at Shumba Construction Company during the early hours of the morning. The gang reportedly forced their way into office premises, subdued staff, and demanded access to a safe.
After failing to locate cash, the suspects proceeded to break into the office, where they used an electric grinder to access a gun cabinet. A firearm and ammunition were stolen during the raid.
In a separate incident the previous night, a larger group of about 10 armed men attacked security guards at Border Timbers, also within the Nyakamete industrial zone.
The attackers restrained multiple guards before forcing them to reveal office locations. They then broke into several offices, including financial departments, in search of cash.
Police report that the suspects used explosives to breach a reinforced safe. However, no cash or valuables were found inside.
The gang is believed to have carried out both raids with a high level of coordination, using intimidation tactics, weapons, and specialised tools such as grinders and detonators.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka has urged businesses to strengthen their security measures, including installing alarm systems and CCTV surveillance, to deter such attacks.
He also appealed to members of the public to assist law enforcement with any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects.
The string of incidents has raised concerns over the growing boldness and sophistication of criminal groups targeting industrial and commercial properties in the region.
The incidents, confirmed by acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, involved attacks on security personnel, forced entry into offices, and attempts to break into safes using explosives and power tools.
Police say investigations are ongoing, with no arrests made so far.
In the first reported incident, six masked suspects ambushed a security guard at Shumba Construction Company during the early hours of the morning. The gang reportedly forced their way into office premises, subdued staff, and demanded access to a safe.
After failing to locate cash, the suspects proceeded to break into the office, where they used an electric grinder to access a gun cabinet. A firearm and ammunition were stolen during the raid.
In a separate incident the previous night, a larger group of about 10 armed men attacked security guards at Border Timbers, also within the Nyakamete industrial zone.
Police report that the suspects used explosives to breach a reinforced safe. However, no cash or valuables were found inside.
The gang is believed to have carried out both raids with a high level of coordination, using intimidation tactics, weapons, and specialised tools such as grinders and detonators.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka has urged businesses to strengthen their security measures, including installing alarm systems and CCTV surveillance, to deter such attacks.
He also appealed to members of the public to assist law enforcement with any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects.
The string of incidents has raised concerns over the growing boldness and sophistication of criminal groups targeting industrial and commercial properties in the region.
Source - Manica Post
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