Hitch-hiker loses US$4k to armed robbers who offered her a lift

Zim Now Writer

A Harare woman who boarded a private vehicle at BP Service Station in Mutare was robbed US$3 220, a cellphone and clothes by armed robbers who had offered her a ride.

The five suspects, including a woman, dumped Diana Pamire in a bush near Nyazura before driving off.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Norbert Muzondo confirmed the incident which happened at around 8:30am on Friday.

“Pamire, 30, boarded a silver Honda CRV at BP Service Station intending to go to Harare. She had a purse and a bag which contained cash, clothes and other belongings. In the vehicle were four unknown male adults and a woman.

“Pamire seated at the back seat and upon approaching Bridge Store in Nyazura, one of the accused who was seated next to her ordered her to surrender her purse which contained, among other things, a cellphone and US$220. Out of fear she complied.

“The driver turned off the main road and drove for about 200 metres in a dust road and stopped. The accused persons pushed the lady out of the car and left her stranded in the bush.

“They drove away with the bags containing a total of US$3 220 and clothes. Pamire reported the matter to Nyazura police. No arrests were made and nothing has been recovered,” said Inspector Muzondo.

In a related incident, two male adults who were wielding knives and a pair of pliers pounced on a Nyanga family, threatened an 82-year-old woman with unspecified action and vanished with US$160.

The incident happened in Sarutani Village under Chief Hata’s area on April 17 at around 8pm.

“The two suspects who were armed with a knife and pliers entered Taurai Mushayi’s room as she was sleeping. She was alone. One of the suspects grabbed her by the neck and ordered her to keep quiet.

“They gagged her mouth with a cloth while the other suspect ransacked the house. They took US$160 then disappeared into the darkness,” said Inspector Muzondo.

Police are appealing to members of the public with information leading to the arrest of the suspects to contact their nearest police station.

Police also urged the travelling public to desist from hitchhiking and use public transport at designated bus termini to prevent robberies.

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