A MASVINGO man lost his vehicle, cash and other valuables to three men he had offered a lift from Masvingo to Gweru.
Stanford Marangwanda (37) of Morgenster Doctor’s Quarters in Masvingo, lost his Volvo XC60 vehicle to three men he had offered a lift from Masvingo to Gweru.
The three reportedly tied his hands and feet before dumping him in a bushy area along the way and sped off with the vehicle and US$850 cash, an iPad, a laptop, blankets and clothing items.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident which happened on 14 February at around 8 pm.
“Marangwanda offered transport to three unknown male adults at Croco Motors bus stop in Masvingo. Along the way, on approaching Downlands Business Centre in Lalapanzi, one of the suspects who was seated at the front produced a knife and ordered him to stop the vehicle,” said Inspector Mahoko.
Fearing for his life, he complied and the suspects tied his hands and legs with a seat belt.
“The suspects drove the vehicle along a dust road towards Mahamara where they dumped him in a busy area and sped off with the vehicle,” he said.
He said the suspects took with them a wallet which contained US$850, an I-pad, a laptop and a travelling bag which contained blankets and various clothing items.Police are now hunting for the suspects.
“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information leading to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the stolen property to visit any nearest police station,” said Inspector Mahoko.
In a similar incident, a Kwekwe man lost US$1 000 to passengers he had given a lift along the Kwekwe-Gokwe Highway. Thomas Matipedza (39) gave a lift to four men who later turned out to be robbers.
“Matipedza was driving a Nissan Hardbody from Amaveni to Zhombe. On reaching Ivan Hoe Mine, he offered transport to four men who said they were going to Tiger Reef Mine in Kwekwe,” said Insp Mahoko.
He said on arrival at Tiger Reef, two of the passengers drew pistols and ordered Matipedza to turn the vehicle and drive towards Silobela Road and he complied. After driving for about 8 kilometres, they ordered him to stop and they searched him and took US$1000 from his pocket and a Tokayev 9mm pistol.
The suspects ordered him to drive towards Kwekwe and upon reaching Harven Estate Farm, they disembarked and ordered Matipedza to turn and drive back towards Gokwe Road. Matipedza’s pistol was later recovered along Kwekwe-Gokwe Highway. Police are appealing to members of the public to assist in the apprehension of the suspects.
“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information that can help in the arrest of the suspects to visit any nearest police station,” said Insp Mahoko. – Sunday News
