Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
Armed robbers are on the prowl along the country’s highways where they are targeting stranded motorists, with the public being implored to be on high alert.
The Harare-Mutare Highway has witnessed an increase in such incidents as the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with a robbery which occurred last week.
Circumstances are that a haulage truck driver picked up the trio in Msasa after they pretended to be genuine travelers on their way to Mutare.
The suspects requested to be dropped off on approaching Rusape, but when the driver pulled over, two more suspected robbers emerged from the roadside bushes and teamed up with their accomplices in attacking the truck driver who sustained serious injuries.
In a related incident, a cross-border bus was attacked in Beitbridge last month by suspects who pretended to be passengers going to the Beitbridge Border Post.
They ordered the bus to stop and pounced on passengers before getting away with substantial amounts of United States dollars and Rands.
The suspects have since been arrested.
Zimbabwe Republic Police National Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi encouraged transporters and motorists to exercise caution when traveling along the country’s highways.
He said, “As the police, we have always said drivers should stick to the mandate given by their employers, they should not carry passengers when given a specific task by their employers. We want drivers to contribute towards their safety in the country’s roads.
“We are also saying transporters should take a lead in protecting their goods and passengers. No one should board a cross border bus without their name being noted down and verified. Cross border bus operators should not allow their buses to stop at every place, there are designated points where the crews can have a rest and if something happens the police can easily track.”
The armed robbers also target stranded motorists and isolated drivers along the highways.
