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Crime Reporter
MORE than 24 suspected criminals were arrested in separate incidents in Harare last month on allegations of committing a number of robberies, some armed, in and around the city. Police said among those arrested, were eight suspects nabbed at Granville Cemetery during the burial of their accomplice Boris Mushonga (35) while three others were arrested for robbing and killing a police officer.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tadius Chibanda yesterday said police had noted with concern an increase in robberies in the city.
“Most of these robberies involve motorists either as victims or perpetrators. Criminals are using private motor vehicles especially Toyota Ipsum, Carina, Spacio, Raum, Caldina, Vitz, Corolla, Honda Fit and CRV models to pick up unsuspecting commuters at undesignated pick-up points in the city centre before robbing them,” he said.

Insp Chibanda said in most cases the vehicles would have at least four male occupants and the driver while in other cases, a female occupant would be among the robbers.
He said they usually leave space for one or two passengers whom they would drive out of town before robbing and dumping them.

Some commuter omnibus crews were also using the same method of operation and at times they remove the vehicle rear registration number plates before pouncing on their victims.

“Criminals are targeting commuters who seek transport at undesignated pick-up points like Julius Nyerere Way from Joina City to Seke Flyover, Robert Mugabe Road opposite Roadport, Mbudzi round-about, Exhibition Park along Samora Machel Avenue, Westgate along Lomagundi Road and NSSA building among others,” he said.
He urged commuters to be wary of these criminals and not seek transport from private vehicles but to use public service vehicles at designated pick- up points.

“They should also avoid travelling during the night whenever possible and avoid hiring taxis which already have other passengers. Owners of commuter omnibuses and taxis should also take keen interest on the operation of their vehicles by closely monitoring the drivers,” Insp Chibanda said.

Police would continue conducting awareness campaigns through the media and their press and public relations sections and would mount operations targeting these criminals.

“Operations such as Regional Simultaneous, Zvigwagwagwa and Batai Munhu were launched at intervals targeting both plain and armed robbers.
“Foot and vehicular patrols have been increased and this has been buttressed by deployment of plain clothes police officers for surveillance purposes,” Insp Chibanda said.

Last month, police arrested eight suspects at a funeral procession of one of the five suspected armed robbers who died when a Toyota Raum they were travelling in collided with a bus near Zindoga Shopping Centre along Simon Mazorodze Road in Harare.

The other four were Bright Mupamhanga (29) of Highfield, Terrence Tuware (19) of Mbare, Shyleen Mukoma (16) of Mufakose and Alois Kangwara (19) of Mbare.
Police said the five were on their wanted list on allegations of robbing passengers using their getaway vehicle and commuter omnibuses, during the night.
They were targeting cash, cellphones and laptops, among other valuables.