Correspondent|Police have recovered a Toyota Allion which was used as a getaway car by armed robbers who pounced on illegal forex dealers at Makoni Shopping centre on Wednesday afternoon.

The vehicle which belonged to one of the illegal money changers Jairos Jeke was found dumped in Glenview. Jeke’s car was taken by the robbers after robbing him of his money. According to witnesses the nine robbers, who were wearing masks, jumped out of a Toyota Hilux truck armed with pistols, rifles and a machete before one of them ordered the foreign currency dealers, who trade outside the Simbisa Fast-food outlet to lie on the ground.

Fast-food and confectionery outlets Chicken Inn and Baker’s Inn had to temporarily close their doors, with customers abandoning their food, as the heist unfolded. Some people who were queueing for cash at Mukuru.com scurried for cover, while others lay on the ground. The robbers targeted two brothers who are forex dealers. They robbed the two of their cash, before taking one of the brother’s car and sped off with it.

National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said when the vehicle was recovered, the keys, one tyre and the battery were missing.

“Police has recovered the vehicle which was taken by armed robbers who robbed forex dealers at Makoni Shopping Centre on Wednesday. The Toyota Allion was abandoned outside ZRP Glenview this morning (Thursday). The car has since been identified, however, one tyre, battery and keys were missing. We are still investigating the case,” he said.

Ass-Comm Nyathi said it seemed the robbery was well coordinated and the robbers had full information on their targets. He urged the public to desist from illegal activities, which include illegally dealing in forex.