GWANDA — Police in Matabeleland South last week arrested two of the seven suspected armed robbers, who allegedly robbed a motorist and passengers in his vehicle of cash and property valued at R18 000 near West Nicholson.
SILAS NKALA
A manhunt has been launched for the remaining suspects following the robbery that occurred along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Christopher Ngwenya yesterday confirmed the arrest of Honest Mangena (30) and Kwanele Mathuthu (32) in connection with the robbery. He said the robbery occurred on December 12 at the 181km peg on the busy highway.
“On the fateful day at around 11pm, three complainants, Nkosilathi Moyo (38), Marbel Pfumaindisu Nyamurowa (32) and Charity Moyo (37) were coming from South Africa in a Toyota registration number DZZ 673 EC driven by Moyo,” Ngwenya said.
“Their vehicle had a break-down at the 181km peg. Moyo came out to check the fault.While still checking, he was approached by Mangena and Mathuthu in the company of five others who are still at large.” He said the seven were carrying machetes, logs and iron bars.
Ngwenya said one of the robbers struck Moyo with a machete on the left hand and he sustained a deep cut.
“The robbers allegedly forced the rest of the travellers out of the vehicle and they force-marched them into the nearby bush where they assaulted them with logs,” he said.
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“Four of the robbers remained with the three complainants while the other three went back to the vehicle where they searched and stole money and various property. They all disappeared from the scene.” The police spokesperson said the robbers went away with R9 000 belonging to Nkosilathi and R5 000 Nyamurowa.
“They also stole three cellphones and many other goods and the total cost of goods and money stolen is R18 000,” Ngwenya said. “Only property worth R650 was recovered.”
The three complainants made a report at the West Nicholson Police Station, leading to Mangena and Mathuthu’s arrest.
Ngwenya advised motorists to avoid stopping at laybys during this festive season saying robbers targeted such areas.
“Areas which are targeted by the robbers are mostly between Beitbridge and West Nicholson and motorists must not stop at laybys in these areas as its dangerous,” he said.
