Armed robbers net US$17,000 during raid at Mukuvisi Woodlands
HARARE – A wildlife sanctuary, was robbed for $17,000 in cash in a shootout between 10 men on Saturday morning, police said.
Described as a city safari, Mukuvisi Woodlands is a 275 hectare conservation area located approximately 5 km from Harare’s CBD. It is across from the Rhodesville Police Station.
Deputy national police spokesman Paul Nyathi said 10 men armed with rifles stormed the administration office around 1 a.m. and captured two guards and a janitor.
The armed men also carried catapults, hammers and iron bars.
“The suspects stole $17,320 in cash, $19,040 in laptops and cell phones and fled,” Nyathi said.
Detectives, who arrived at the scene within minutes, collected $5,030 which was strewn around the scene – apparently left by the thieves as they fled.
Zimbabwe has witnessed a wave of armed robberies in recent months, some of which have resulted in deaths.
On Sunday, Nyathi told state media that the police were “in control” and denied being overrun.
“We recently received brand new off-road vehicles for the CID Homicide Detachment as well as a significant amount of fuel for the mission. We are well equipped to fight armed robbery,” Nyathi said.
- RosGwen24 News/ additional report by Kukurigo Updates
