A seven-member gang armed with machetes, axes, iron bars
and bicycle chains barricaded a business centre in Gokwe South before searching
and robbing people at the shops, police have said.
According to witnesses, the violent gang also force-opened
shops and bars, looting beers and anything alcoholic among other property.
The witnesses said the assailants who got away with cash,
cellphones and alcohol assaulted and scolded their victims who had nothing in
their possession.
“It was a traumatic 30-minute encounter with this machete
gang as they would strike at will, assaulting and cursing victims who would be
found with nothing valuable at hand. I lost a cellphone and US$5 which I had in
my pocket but I felt for a colleague who they pounced on after me. I heard them
assaulting him with chains while questioning him why he had nothing on him to
take away. It was a crime to be found
with nothing in your possession,” said Mr Maxwell Gondo one of the victims.
A teacher at a nearby school, Mr Gondo said he was about to
leave the business centre when the gang rounded up everyone.
“We were told to lie down on the ground wherever we were.
They searched everyone beating people while striking others using machetes,” he
said.
Acting police spokesperson for Midlands Province, Assistant
Inspector Ethel Mukwende said police have launched a manhunt for the suspects
who left several people at the business centre nursing injuries.
“Police in Gokwe have launched a manhunt for a gang of seven
male adults who attacked and robbed shop owners at Nyaradza Business centre in
Gokwe.
“It is alleged that the seven unknown suspects, armed with
iron bars, axes, machetes and bicycle chains pounced on the business centre
driving in a silver Honda Fit vehicle,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.
She said the
suspects who also force-opened shops got away with cash, cellphones, fuel and
some alcohol.
“They got away with 33 litres of petrol, 10 litres of
diesel, seven cellphones, cash amounting to $3 720, R400, US$5 and some
alcoholic beverages,” said Asst Insp Mukwende.
She said a report was later made to the police and those
who were injured in the attack were taken to Gokwe District Hospital.
Meanwhile, Asst Insp Mukwende dismissed reports circulating
on social media that the suspects pounced on many business centres in Gokwe.
“Contrary to reports circulating on social media, the
incident only took place at Nyaradza Business Centre and police are on the
ground carrying out investigations. We urge members of the public who might
assist the police in their investigations to approach any nearest police
station or make use of our suggestion boxes,” she said. Chronicle
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