Vagrants syndicate in spate of break-ins

GWERU police have warned the local business community of a syndicate of vagrants which is allegedly working in cahoots with bent security guards to break into shops in the Central Business District.

Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said cases of break-ins were on the increase.

Police investigations have revealed that a group of vagrants who live on Gweru's streets were behind most of the shop break-ins.

"We are worried by the increase of cases of shop break-ins in the Midlands capital. Our investigations reveal that a group of suspected vagrants are behind most of these cases. Apparently, they are working in cahoots with security officers manning some premises within Gweru's CBD.

"I, however, am positive that we are going to solve most of the shop break-in cases following the arrest of three vagrants in connection with illegal entry into a shop and stealing from it. The suspected vagrants were seven and the other four managed to escape," said Insp Mahoko.

He said the three vagrants and their four accomplices who are at large were caught looting groceries at a city supermarket on Saturday night. A manhunt for four has been launched.

Insp Mahoko said: "Four police officers who were on patrol in Gweru Central Business district saw some movements within DCK Supermarket. The shop had long closed its doors for shoppers. Following some investigations, the police saw a group of street people raiding groceries at the city supermarket."

Insp Mahoko said the police had for long suspected that there was a shop-breaking syndicate on the loose following an increase in such cases that were reported to the police. He said the police intensified their patrols leading to the arrest of the three vagrants.

"The arrested suspects are Columbas Dziva (23), Marvelous Dube (19) and Honest Moyo (24). All of the suspects are in police custody and they are of no fixed abode," he said.

"Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the four suspects should feel free to visit any one of our numerous police stations dotted around the country. They may also make use of our suggestion boxes. Let us work together in ending crime in our society," he added.