News / Regional
Lone robber strikes at Gokwe Hotel
13 Mar 2013 at 00:15hrs | Views
IN an incident that reads more like a movie script, an armed man pretending to be a hotel client burst into a bar, fired a shot into the ceiling and robbed three people of their cash and valuables.
The lone robber stole property valued at $600.
Midlands police spokesperson, Inspector Leonard Chabata confirmed the incident which happened on Sunday at around 11pm at Gokwe Hotel in Gokwe town.
He said the suspect arrived at the hotel and was well received by a security guard who presumed that the man was a genuine customer.
"The lone robber then produced a pistol and pointed it at the guard. He ordered him to lead him into the bar. Upon entering the bar, the man fired a shot into the ceiling and demanded cash. All patrons lay on the floor while the bar lady surrendered a cash box with the day's takings to the suspect," said Insp Chabata.
He said the barlady then ran into the storeroom where she hid.
Insp Chabata said the robber took away all the cash from the cash box and other property belonging to two patrons which were on the counter.
"These included a Nokia X2 cell- phone, life pad mini laptop, an Econet 3G cellphone and a school date stamp for Gawa Secondary," said Insp Chabata.
In another unrelated incident, a 53-year-old man was robbed of his $5, a black jacket, a pair of safety shoes and a raincoat by three men.
Insp Chabata said the incident occurred on Saturday at Ruchanyu village in Shurugwi at around 8pm.
"The complainant had just disembarked from a lift from Shurugwi town at Ruchanyu Bus Stop. He met three people on his way home and they demanded cash from him. One of the men produced a knife after the complainant refused to comply," he said.
Insp Chabata said the man then pointed the knife at the complainant's chest before his colleagues went on to search the man and took away his property.
The police spokesperson said the suspects then fled from the scene.
"The matter was reported to the police and investigations are now under way.
"Police are appealing to members of the public who might have information that can assist us in our investigations of the two cases to approach any nearest police station," said Insp Chabata.
The lone robber stole property valued at $600.
Midlands police spokesperson, Inspector Leonard Chabata confirmed the incident which happened on Sunday at around 11pm at Gokwe Hotel in Gokwe town.
He said the suspect arrived at the hotel and was well received by a security guard who presumed that the man was a genuine customer.
"The lone robber then produced a pistol and pointed it at the guard. He ordered him to lead him into the bar. Upon entering the bar, the man fired a shot into the ceiling and demanded cash. All patrons lay on the floor while the bar lady surrendered a cash box with the day's takings to the suspect," said Insp Chabata.
He said the barlady then ran into the storeroom where she hid.
Insp Chabata said the robber took away all the cash from the cash box and other property belonging to two patrons which were on the counter.
In another unrelated incident, a 53-year-old man was robbed of his $5, a black jacket, a pair of safety shoes and a raincoat by three men.
Insp Chabata said the incident occurred on Saturday at Ruchanyu village in Shurugwi at around 8pm.
"The complainant had just disembarked from a lift from Shurugwi town at Ruchanyu Bus Stop. He met three people on his way home and they demanded cash from him. One of the men produced a knife after the complainant refused to comply," he said.
Insp Chabata said the man then pointed the knife at the complainant's chest before his colleagues went on to search the man and took away his property.
The police spokesperson said the suspects then fled from the scene.
"The matter was reported to the police and investigations are now under way.
"Police are appealing to members of the public who might have information that can assist us in our investigations of the two cases to approach any nearest police station," said Insp Chabata.
Source - TC
