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Rutendo Rori Mashonaland East Correspondent
Seven of 13 Chivhu men who were last week arrested for touting have been sentenced to an effective three months in jail, each.

The seven were initially sentenced to five months in jail before two months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

The other six were ordered to pay a $100 fine when they all appeared at the Chivhu Magistrates’ Court early this week.

Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza yesterday said the 13 were arrested during an operation conducted by Mashonaland East Province police to remove touts from ranks.

He said the operation sought to bring sanity to ranks in all the province’s towns and growth points.

“ZRP Mashonaland East is on a drive to rid the province of lawlessness. Recently, touts in Chivhu were arrested after several reports that they were harassing and stealing from the travelling public at    ranks.

“This prompted the police to embark on an operation targeting ranks and those operating the illegal mushikashika.

“We applaud the judicial system for imposing stiffer penalties which will go a long way in bringing sanity to the bus ranks. We urge the members of the public who are victimised to report such cases to police so that those behind the acts are brought to book,” said Insp Mwanza.

Meanwhile, 10 machete-wielding robbers reportedly attacked a security guard at Ray Shower Company, broke into the premises and stole goods worth more than $2 000.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the 10, who broke into the company located in Nenhohwe under Chief Mutambara.

The brea-in occurred on March 15.

Manicaland police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the robbery.

“One of the robbers hit Godfrey Mutako, a security guard, on the head before the other robbers tied him up with a rope.

“James Muchirawata, another guard, escaped from the scene before he was harmed by the robbers,” he said.

After the robbery, Mutako managed to untie himself and walked towards the village where he met Kudakwashe Nenhohwe and narrated his ordeal.

Mutako and Nenhohwe subsequently reported the matter to Nyanyadzi Police Station.

Mutako reportedly sustained a swollen leg and a deep head cut for which he sought medical attention at Mutambara Hospital.