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Robbers pounce on Mutare mayor

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Mutare mayor Brian James reportedly lost two laptops, cellphones, cameras and cash to armed robbers who allegedly stormed his home over the weekend. James, who doubles up as MDC-T treasurer for Manicaland, said he sustained a minor head injury during the attack which occurred on Saturday night. Although James claimed yesterday he had reported the […]

Mutare mayor Brian James reportedly lost two laptops, cellphones, cameras and cash to armed robbers who allegedly stormed his home over the weekend.

James, who doubles up as MDC-T treasurer for Manicaland, said he sustained a minor head injury during the attack which occurred on Saturday night.

Although James claimed yesterday he had reported the incident to the police, the latter said they were yet to receive the report. James’s wife, Lynee, said two unidentified armed robbers stormed their bedroom with their faces covered with balaclavas and demanded access to the couple’s safe.

“While we were sleeping at around 9pm we were surprised to see two armed men with a small torch in our room. They had their faces covered with hoods,” she said.

“They asked the mayor where he works. He told them that he was the mayor of Mutare and the armed men accused him of supporting a sell out. They then demanded cash and keys to the safe box. They also demanded diamonds. The mayor became cross and inquired what they wanted. That is when he was hit on the head with the butt of a pistol. They proceeded to tie us and ordered us to lie on our backs,” said the mayoress.

The robbers allegedly made off with two laptops, cellphones, cameras and cash amounting to $150 among other items.

She believes the men were part of the gang that has been on the prowl in the eastern border city targeting the white community in low density suburbs.

The gang allegedly fled before Safeguard Security could react to the robbery.

The mayoress expressed disappointment at the conduct of police who came to record statements from them.

“We are living in fear here. The motive might be political but the armed men are targeting the white community in our neighbourhood. I don’t know how police will explain this because recently, one armed robber was shot on the scene but the matter just died a natural death.

“We are now afraid for our lives and something should be done to stop this madness,” she added.