The ManicaPost
THE alarming rate at which robberies and related felonies are happening in Mutare and surrounding areas is worrisome.Taxi drivers are losing their vehicles to fake clients who pretend to be genuine travellers but later rob them at gun or knife point.
Years down the line, a well-known taxi driver, Paul Phiri, was murdered in cold blood in uptown Mutare by armed robbers who were disguised as customers but later went rogue.
Apart from targeting taxi operators, the robbers have turned their attention to service stations and beer halls where they are assured of landing their hands on the much sort-after green backs.
Just three weeks ago, a cunning gang of burglars pounced on four shops in Dangamvura on one night and stole an assortment of products after forcing open the premises using bolt cutters.
The shops, which are all located at Matongo Business Centre in the T-Section of the high-density suburb, were robbed one-after-the-other.
Elsewhere in this issue we carry a story in which detectives from Mutare Central Police Station had to track down suspected armed robbers up to Murehwa in connection with a litany of crimes they had committed in the city.
The detectives had a good run for their money as the cheeky robbers opened fire upon realizing that they were now being circled at Murehwa Business Centre.
We would like to commend the four detectives who put their lives on the line to apprehend two of the suspects who had literally caused a reign of terror in Mutare.
Great exception must be derived from the fact that upon receiving the slightest information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen Honda Fit, the detectives took no time to track the vehicle up to Murehwa.
It was a sterling operation that produced the much needed results.
The detectives managed to bring to book wanted suspects who had the potential of unleashing more terror.
Yes, the police can come in and rescue the situation but we also want to take this opportunity to remind the public to be on the lookout.
With the prevailing harsh economic condition, many people have been tempted to use unorthodox ways to earn a living. With the ongoing cash shortages some people are withdrawing their money from banks and keeping it at home.
This is dangerous for they become easy prey for robbers.
It is important that businesses invest in CCTVs that will help in monitoring activities at their premises.
More often than not CCTV footages have helped the police solve cases that could have proved difficult to conclude had there be no video recordings.
Taxi drivers by the very nature of their business have become easy prey.
Robbers use the same modus operandi of pretending to be genuine clients and later hijack their cars in broad daylight.
The rising robbery cases require that residents be in constant touch with the police and share notes on how to effectively deal with the crimes.
