Story by Peter Chivhima
FOUR suspected armed robbers, including two foreign nationals, have been shot dead in Norton.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed a shootout between CID Homicide detectives and suspected armed robbers near the Norton Tollgate on Friday.
In a statement released this Sunday, police said four suspects, among them two foreign nationals, were shot dead during the exchange of fire. At the same time, two detectives sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
The operation followed a tip-off on a syndicate believed to have crossed from South Africa to commit armed robberies in Bulawayo, Harare, and Kwekwe.
When cornered along the Harare–Bulawayo Road, the suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a fierce gun battle.
Recovered from the scene were a Toyota Axio getaway vehicle, two pistols, ammunition, and clothing items linked to a recent robbery at a Harare hospital on September 30, where more than US$1 800 and airtime worth US$140 were stolen.
Police investigations have since revealed that the gang is linked to at least five other armed robbery cases in Harare.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on crime, saying that there is “no going back” in dismantling both local and cross-border robbery syndicates.
