By A Correspondent- Police in Mutare are investigating three separate robbery cases that recently took place between Sakubva and Chikanga high-density suburbs.

Residents interviewed expressed concern over a surge in robbery cases in their communities. Police said the Sakubva-Chikanga footpath has become a haven for robbers who are waylaying unsuspecting residents moving around the communities.

Manicaland police spokesperson, Inspector Luxson Chananda advised locals to remain vigilant and constantly aware of their surroundings and ensure that appropriate security precautions are in place.

“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and constantly aware of their surroundings and ensure that appropriate security precautions are in place,” said the police spokesperson.

He said on June 2021 at around 7PM, Tonderai Rukuto, a student at Mutare Polytechnic College was coming from Sakubva going to Chikanga using a dust road which links Chikanga and Sakubva. He was allegedly robbed of his ItelA14 and Mobicel cellphones by two unknown persons.
“The complainant was crossing the railway line, from Sakubva when he came across two unknown male adults who emerged from the tall grass and produced knives.

“They demanded the cellphone and cash from Rukuto who subsequently handed over the two cellphones, an Itel A14 and a Mobicel. One of the suspects searched the complainant’s pockets but did not find anything,” said Insp Chananda.

He added that Rukuto was allegedly stabbed twice with a knife on his upper left shoulder and once on his lower thigh when he requested to be given his sim card by the robbers.

“He managed to escape and ran towards Chikanga Area 2 where he met a well-wisher who drove him to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital where he was admitted and treated,” said the police spokesperson.

On June 24, around 1930 hours, James Manaka (23) was walking alone from Sakubva to Chikanga using a dust road that links Chikanga and Sakubva and was allegedly robbed of his Itel cellphone and US$10 by four male robbers.

“When the complainant arrived between the footbridge at the railway line which links Sakubva and Chikanga suburbs, four robbers emerged from the front. One of the robbers stabbed the complainant once on his right shoulder while others took away his Itel cellphone and cash US$10-00 from his pockets,” said Insp Chananda.

The complainant managed to escape towards Chikanga Area 2 where he was assisted by well-wishers who took him to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital where he was treated and discharged.

On the same day, at around 745pm, Tendai Mushunje (39) of Federation Chikanga, employed by Guard Alert as a security guard was walking from Devonshire, Sakubva going to Federation Chikanga using a footpath that links Sakubva and Chikanga suburbs and was allegedly robbed by three unknown robbers.

He was stabbed on both shoulders and stomach and was robbed of his satchel with contained clothes and an Itel A14 cellphone.

“Mushunje escaped and ran towards Federation where he collapsed upon reaching Luke Mukungato`s residence. ukungato rushed Mushunje to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital where he was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit,” said the police spokesperson.

“Investigations are in process and we appeal to members of the public who might have information that may lead to the arrest of the culprits to report any nearest police station.” – Pungwe News