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Robbers abandon stolen Mercedes during police chase
2 hrs ago |
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Police in Norton, Mashonaland West Province, have recovered property worth US$23,600 after three suspected armed robbers abandoned a stolen Mercedes-Benz while fleeing from pursuing officers.
The robbery occurred at about 11pm on Thursday in Knowe Phase 1, Norton.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mashonaland West provincial spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway.
According to police, 24-year-old Rufaro Tinavapi was asleep at her home when she heard suspicious noises outside.
"The complainant, Rufaro Tinavapi (24), of 1296 Knowe Phase 1, Norton, was asleep in her house when she heard unusual sounds outside. When she was trying to ascertain the situation, she heard a sudden bang as the kitchen door was forced open," Inspector Kohwera said.
Police said Tinavapi armed herself with a licensed pistol, but before she could respond, three unidentified men entered her bedroom.
"The suspects disarmed her, threatened her, demanding the money which the family was planning to use to buy a vehicle. They tied her hands, assaulted her and ransacked the house," Kohwera said.
The suspects allegedly stole US$600 in cash, an iPhone Pro Max, two pairs of shoes, a pair of sandals and two purses before demanding the keys to her Mercedes-Benz C200, registration number AGF 2457, which was parked outside.
"She was forced to march outside the house to open the gate and the suspects fled from the scene with the property using her vehicle," Kohwera said.
After the robbers left, Tinavapi managed to reach the road, where she alerted a Norton Urban police patrol, which immediately pursued the stolen vehicle along the Harare-Bulawayo Road.
Police said the suspects abandoned the vehicle near Somerby after realising they were about to be intercepted.
"At Somerby area, the suspects noticed that they were about to be caught. They stopped, disembarked from the vehicle and ran away, leaving the stolen property and taking the cash only," Kohwera said.
Officers recovered the Mercedes-Benz, the complainant's pistol, shoes, sandals and purses.
Police said property worth US$25,000 had been stolen, with items valued at US$23,600 successfully recovered.
The three suspects remain at large, and police have appealed to members of the public with information that may assist in their identification and arrest to report to the nearest police station.
Inspector Kohwera also urged residents to exercise caution when discussing personal financial matters or future plans.
"People are being advised not to divulge their plans to anyone as some are not honest and can share the information with criminals," he said.
He further encouraged residents to keep the contact details of their nearest police station readily available so that officers can respond promptly in the event of an emergency.
Investigations into the robbery are continuing.
The robbery occurred at about 11pm on Thursday in Knowe Phase 1, Norton.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mashonaland West provincial spokesperson Inspector Ian Kohwera confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway.
According to police, 24-year-old Rufaro Tinavapi was asleep at her home when she heard suspicious noises outside.
"The complainant, Rufaro Tinavapi (24), of 1296 Knowe Phase 1, Norton, was asleep in her house when she heard unusual sounds outside. When she was trying to ascertain the situation, she heard a sudden bang as the kitchen door was forced open," Inspector Kohwera said.
Police said Tinavapi armed herself with a licensed pistol, but before she could respond, three unidentified men entered her bedroom.
"The suspects disarmed her, threatened her, demanding the money which the family was planning to use to buy a vehicle. They tied her hands, assaulted her and ransacked the house," Kohwera said.
The suspects allegedly stole US$600 in cash, an iPhone Pro Max, two pairs of shoes, a pair of sandals and two purses before demanding the keys to her Mercedes-Benz C200, registration number AGF 2457, which was parked outside.
"She was forced to march outside the house to open the gate and the suspects fled from the scene with the property using her vehicle," Kohwera said.
After the robbers left, Tinavapi managed to reach the road, where she alerted a Norton Urban police patrol, which immediately pursued the stolen vehicle along the Harare-Bulawayo Road.
Police said the suspects abandoned the vehicle near Somerby after realising they were about to be intercepted.
"At Somerby area, the suspects noticed that they were about to be caught. They stopped, disembarked from the vehicle and ran away, leaving the stolen property and taking the cash only," Kohwera said.
Officers recovered the Mercedes-Benz, the complainant's pistol, shoes, sandals and purses.
Police said property worth US$25,000 had been stolen, with items valued at US$23,600 successfully recovered.
The three suspects remain at large, and police have appealed to members of the public with information that may assist in their identification and arrest to report to the nearest police station.
Inspector Kohwera also urged residents to exercise caution when discussing personal financial matters or future plans.
"People are being advised not to divulge their plans to anyone as some are not honest and can share the information with criminals," he said.
He further encouraged residents to keep the contact details of their nearest police station readily available so that officers can respond promptly in the event of an emergency.
Investigations into the robbery are continuing.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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