Mukuru agency robbers on the run

Police are intensifying their search for a gang of armed robbers who targeted a Mukuru Money Transfer agency at Makomva Shopping Centre in Glen View, Harare, on Monday morning. The gang made off with over US$2,700 and R2,350 during the daring heist.

The robbery occurred at approximately 9:39 a.m. when the robbers arrived in a black Toyota Mark X. Armed with pistols, they parked in front of the agency, which operates within a pharmacy, and brandished their firearms to intimidate staff and customers.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are underway. "We are still conducting investigations and appealing to anyone with information that might assist us in arresting the suspects," he said, urging members of the public to contact the nearest police station with any leads.

During the heist, the robbers held an agency worker hostage while they looted cash from the premises. Eyewitnesses reported that the gang fired shots into the air as they fled, creating panic among shoppers in the area.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the robbers conducted surveillance earlier in the day, waiting for a security company to deliver cash to the agency. When the cash was delivered, the gang struck, assaulting a teller and a customer who had just withdrawn approximately US$950. They made off with US$1,839 and R2,350 from the teller before fleeing the scene.

A team of detectives from CID Homicide and other police units has been deployed to investigate the incident. Authorities are also appealing to business operators to enhance security measures at their premises.

In a related development, police in Harare are investigating a case of unlawful entry and theft at a residence on Abyone Drive, Newlands. On December 13, an unknown suspect broke into the house and stole a cash box containing US$20,000 and a laptop.

Additionally, police in Marondera are probing another case of unlawful entry and theft at Rakodzi Estate. On December 12, suspects broke through the main entrance door of a property while the owner was away in Harare, stealing firearms, including a Farbam shotgun, a Brno shotgun, and a BSA rifle.

The spate of crimes has raised concerns among residents, with authorities urging vigilance and community cooperation in combating criminal activities. Anyone with information related to these cases is encouraged to report to the police to aid in the apprehension of the culprits.