News / National
Armed robbers loot $200 000
30 Aug 2011 at 00:32hrs | Views
Three armed robbers stole US$200 000 at the Beitbridge Rural District Council offices on Monday morning after overpowering the security guard.
The robbers handcuffed the guard at gunpoint and broke into the offices.
The incident occurred at around 3am.
Officer Commanding Beitbridge District Chief Superintendent Lawrence Chinhengo confirmed the incident and said they have since launched a manhunt for the suspects.
He appealed to anyone with information to contact their nearest police station.
Detectives in the border town were yesterday interviewing staff members from the local authority.
"Preliminary investigations reveal that the three suspects who were armed with a pistol approached the security guard who was manning the premises.
"They threatened to shoot him if he did not comply with their orders before handcuffing him with his pair of handcuffs."
He said the trio broke into the strong room using a grinder and took away a cash box containing US$200 000.
"The suspects drove off in a maroon gateaway car while the security guard reported the case to the police.
"Intensive investigations are underway and we are not going to leave any stone unturned to apprehend the criminals," Chief Supt Chinhengo said.
He said police suspect that the trio had inside information.
The robbery follows closely to another one where three gunmen stole US$3 000 from the Environment Management Agency offices in the border town.
Chief Supt Chinhengo also called on organisations to employ trained security personnel to curb the rise in armed robberies and theft.
The robbers handcuffed the guard at gunpoint and broke into the offices.
The incident occurred at around 3am.
Officer Commanding Beitbridge District Chief Superintendent Lawrence Chinhengo confirmed the incident and said they have since launched a manhunt for the suspects.
He appealed to anyone with information to contact their nearest police station.
Detectives in the border town were yesterday interviewing staff members from the local authority.
"Preliminary investigations reveal that the three suspects who were armed with a pistol approached the security guard who was manning the premises.
"They threatened to shoot him if he did not comply with their orders before handcuffing him with his pair of handcuffs."
He said the trio broke into the strong room using a grinder and took away a cash box containing US$200 000.
"The suspects drove off in a maroon gateaway car while the security guard reported the case to the police.
"Intensive investigations are underway and we are not going to leave any stone unturned to apprehend the criminals," Chief Supt Chinhengo said.
He said police suspect that the trio had inside information.
The robbery follows closely to another one where three gunmen stole US$3 000 from the Environment Management Agency offices in the border town.
Chief Supt Chinhengo also called on organisations to employ trained security personnel to curb the rise in armed robberies and theft.
Source - Byo24News
