Thelma Wandayi
ZRP Midlands Province has expressed concern over the increase in the number of armed robbery cases involving motorists and passengers
Midlands Provincial spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said it was important for travellers to be alert and cautious as most armed robberies are taking place on the roads.
“The public is called upon to exercise very high caution to prevent cases of robbery, some of them, involving the use of weapons.
“There is an indication that robberies are on the rise in all areas across the Province. They used to be prevalent in places like dark alleys or thoroughfares leading to high-density suburbs in towns. Currently, they have also become common in high ways and other places,” he said.
“Motorists and people hitch-hiking for transport at undesignated places are mostly being targeted. These have proven to be easy targets as private motor vehicles are being used either being approached by criminals pretending to be genuinely looking for transport or while criminals themselves offer transport to unsuspecting travellers. Once they are out of public eyes, they pounce on their victims. In these instances, motor vehicles and valuable property are being stolen,” he further explained
The targeted areas by criminals in Gweru include Cathedral, Amtech, Wimpy, Showgrounds, Clonsilla, and Lower Gweru turn off in Gweru.
In Zvishavane, the areas include GTS garage, Madeira, Chibuku turn off, Pote supermarket along Bulawayo road and Rutenga road near Zvishavane town council, Chikwingwizha turn off, Surprise shopping centre, Unki turn off and Mambowa shops along Gweru Shurugwi road.
In Gokwe areas to be cautious of are the Zuva service station and Zimpost.
Mahoko urged members of the public undertaking journeys to always look for transport at designated places and ranks.
“The official public passenger service vehicles are buses and combis with registration numbers written in red paint on a white-coloured plate. Let’s take all caution especially now as we approach the end of year festive season. Let’s all take heed as fighting crime is everyone’s responsibility”.
