Armed robbers steal police rifle in Harare ambush

Armed robbers ambushed a police patrol in Harare early Friday morning, overpowering three officers and stealing a service rifle, a vehicle and mobile phones in a daring attack that left the officers hospitalised.

The incident occurred at around 12:20am along Northolt Road near Divaris Makaharis School in the Mabelreign suburb, according to an internal police memo.

Inspector Magidi, Constable Chihanga and Constable Nyamushamba were on a stationary patrol when they were confronted by three suspects wearing black balaclavas and armed with a claw bar and a high-powered torch.

According to the report, Inspector Magidi ordered Constable Chihanga to open fire, but the Heckler & Koch G3 rifle malfunctioned as he attempted to shoot. The attackers immediately advanced, smashing the vehicle's windscreen and surrounding the officers.

Constable Nyamushamba managed to escape through the driver's door but was struck on the shoulder with a claw bar. Inspector Magidi attempted to confront the attackers but was hit on the forehead with a brick and collapsed.

Constable Chihanga, who was initially trapped inside the vehicle, fought back and struck one of the assailants with the rifle butt before forcing his way out. However, he was subsequently struck twice on the head with a claw bar and fell to the ground.

The attackers seized the G3 rifle, along with its magazine, before fleeing the scene in the officers' vehicle, a white Nissan Tiida.

All three officers were rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.

Police have launched a manhunt for the three suspects and are working to recover the stolen vehicle, the rifle and two mobile phones taken during the attack.