Bizarre break-in: Armed robbers cook, feast before...

Bizarre break-in: Armed robbers cook, feast before getting away with US$2.5k loot

Zim Now Writer

A five-man gang of armed robbers broke into a Gweru family house, locked the occupants in one room and spent nearly four hours in the premises while cooking and eating before getting away with cash and valuables worth US$2 500.

The armed robbers even offered their hostages the food they had prepared.

After feasting bon the spiced chicken they found in the house, they beat up their hostages, ransacked the house, demanding cash and valuables.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson confirmed the incident which occurred on Tuesday night, saying the suspects got away with cash, cellphones and food stuffs all valued at US$2 500.

“Police are investigating a case of robbery in which a family in Northlea suburb was robbed when five men armed with a machete and a knife broke into the house through a window on Tuesday night.

“One of the occupants of the house, a 52-year-old woman who was sleeping together with two other family members heard some strange noise around midnight and went to investigate,” said Insp Mahoko.

Insp Mahoko said the woman was intercepted by five men, who were armed with a machete and a knife, who ordered her to return to her room.

“They then woke up the other two occupants and dragged them into one room.”

Insp Mahoko said the armed men searched the victims and took their cellphones after which they locked them up in one room.

“They got to the kitchen, took some meat in the kitchen and started cooking while some were relaxing in the lounge watching television. After eating the food they then ransacked the house and attacked the victims as they demanded money,” said Insp Mahoko.

He said one of the suspects unsuccessfully attempted to rape a female victim in the house.

“They then went away with US$300, two cellphones and some groceries,” Insp Mahoko said, adding that the suspects are still at large and police have launched a manhunt for them.