The has been a recent spike in cases of armed robberies and murders countrywide. Some of the crimes are reportedly being perpetrated by rogue taxi drivers. The robbery cases also involve people from neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Mozambique.
The robbers reportedly use pepper spray, knives and machetes. Mutare has borne the brunt of the scourge as it lies close to the border with Mozambique. Some of the robberies and murders are allegedly committed by drivers of pirate taxis (mushika shika). Police spokesperson senior assistant commissioner Charity Charamba confirmed the upsurge in armed robberies countrywide. She added that police were closing in on the criminals. Speaking to the Daily News, Charamba said
It’s unfortunate that we have had several cases of women victims recently, but the robbers are targeting anyone and not just females – and they are even roping female accomplices in their criminal activities.
We are appealing to the public to be proactive and to assist us with any information that can help us with our investigations. We also urge people to use registerd commuter omnibuses, not the mushika shikas, and to also avoid walking in secluded places where they can be victimised.
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