Gang Posing as Police Officers T£rr0r!s£s Buhera Villagers
A gang of six suspected @rm£d r0bb£rs posing as police officers has unleashed fear among villagers in parts of Buhera and Hwedza after carrying out a series of robberies while pretending to be law enforcement officers.
The suspects are believed to have been travelling in a white Nissan Navara and targeting victims by accusing them of being involved in illegal fuel dealings before demanding money.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Chinyoka confirmed that police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and appealed for information that could lead to their arrest.
First robbery incident
In the first reported case, a 33 year old man, Mr Blessing Gutu of Mutiweshiri Business Centre, was robbed of US$190.
According to police, the six suspects arrived at the business centre around 1pm in a white Nissan Navara bearing registration number AFK5642.
They approached Mr Gutu and accused him of illegally selling fuel before demanding money.
When he told them he had no cash, the suspects escorted him into a bedroom located behind the shop.
While inside the room, Mr Gutu reportedly noticed a pistol hanging from the waist of one of the suspects.
Police said the suspects spotted a wallet lying on the bed and one of them opened it and took US$190 before leaving.
After taking the money, the suspects immediately returned to their vehicle and drove off toward Dorowa.
Mr Gutu later reported the incident to Dorowa Police Station at around 2pm.
Police attended the scene but no arrests have been made and the stolen money has not been recovered.
Second robbery half an hour later
About thirty minutes later the same group allegedly struck again using the same method.
The second victim, Mr Blessing Nyamurova aged 33 of Farm 335 Zviyambe, was robbed of US$200.
Mr Nyamurova was at his homestead around 2pm when the same white Nissan Navara arrived.
Six men got out of the vehicle and introduced themselves as police officers from ZRP Wedza.
They accused him of illegally selling fuel and demanded money.
During the confrontation Mr Nyamurova noticed that one of the suspects was carrying a pistol.
Fearing for his safety, he went into his house and handed over US$200.
After receiving the cash the suspects quickly left the homestead and drove off toward the Chivhu Nyazura Road.
Mr Nyamurova reported the incident to Dorowa Police Station around 3pm.
Police warn the public
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka warned members of the public to remain cautious when approached by people claiming to be police officers.
"We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid handing over money or valuables to individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers without proper identification," he said.
He emphasised that genuine police officers always identify themselves properly when conducting official duties.
Members of the public have the right to request identification from anyone claiming to be a police officer.
If there are doubts, people are advised to immediately report the matter to the nearest police station.
Police have urged anyone with information that may help identify or locate the suspects to come forward as investigations continue.
Authorities say efforts are underway to track down the gang and bring those responsible to justice.
