Police warns public against boarding private vehicles

Police in Manicaland Province have warned the public against boarding unregistered and private vehicles following a spate of robberies targeting passengers in Mutare and Headlands.

Acting provincial police spokesperson Wiseman Chinyoka said suspects are posing as taxi drivers before robbing unsuspecting commuters.

"The armed robbers are usually in pairs or groups of four and they are mostly operating along highways," he said.

In one incident, Bradley Runoza (27) of Natview Park, Mutare, was on Monday robbed of US$400 and a Samsung A05 cellphone after boarding a Toyota Mark X in Chimanimani en route to Mutare.

Runoza reportedly got into the vehicle, which had four occupants, at Wengezi Bus Stop around 6pm. The driver later diverted from the main road near 16 Miles in Zimunya, claiming he was picking up a relative.

One suspect allegedly grabbed him by the neck while the others searched him and stole his wallet and phone before dumping him by the roadside. Nothing has been recovered.

In a separate incident, police in Headlands are investigating a robbery that occurred on Sunday along the Harare–Mutare Highway.

Taurai Kayeruza (40), of Phase 2, Mutare, boarded a silver Toyota RunX with two male occupants at Macheke Bus Terminus.

Upon reaching the 130km peg, one of the suspects allegedly produced a knife and demanded cash and valuables. The robbers took a Samsung M14 cellphone, a wallet containing US$33, a leather belt and a denim jacket before ordering him out of the vehicle and driving off.

No injuries were reported in either case, and police said investigations are ongoing.

Authorities have urged members of the public to avoid boarding unregistered vehicles and to use only recognised public transport operators to reduce the risk of falling victim to such crimes.