By Brighton Chiseva
Machete wielding armed robbers are allegedly terrorizing villagers in Tokwane Ngundu area which boarders Masvingo and Chiredzi Districts.
The robbers are alleged to have had a spate of cases where they pounce on unsuspecting families and demand cash and other valuables like cellphones.
Sources in the area said the way the goons operate shows they are from the same area as they choose their victims with precision and at times rape their victims if they are females.
The local VIDECO Chairperson Adonia Muza whose area covers 16 villages confirmed the sad development and called upon authorities to intervene to save the community.
“There has been a number of cases since early last year and they have continued up to now. We are calling upon authorities to come to our rescue as people are now afraid and cannot leave women or children alone at home especially during the night.
“The gangs execute their operations with precision and we suspect that they are local guys whom we think know the area very well, scan their potential targets before executing,” said Muza.
Muza bemoaned lack of action by the police saying they have suspects but they are seen roaming around every day despite being reported.
“The cases have been reported to the police but the cases are still recurring; people’s lives and property are no longer safe.
“What worries us is that there seem to be no action from the police. These cases are reported but nothing has been done so far. There are suspects who are seen roaming around every day and the community is afraid of them,” said Muza.
He went on to say there could be more unreported cases because people were afraid when they see suspects walking around. He added that only one rape victim spoke out and there were rumors that others are hesitant to open up.
“We suspect there are a number of cases including rape but at times people are hesitant to report especially if no action was taken on other reported matters. Only one rape victim opened up and we hear there are a lot more,” he said.
One villager who refused to be named said the robbers usually travel in a group of four or five, with only one demanding and talking while the others are usually silent, ready to intervene if need be.
“They come wearing face masks and only one will do the talking while others are watching and if people try to resist they attack,” said the source.
Contacted for comment, Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said there were several cases reported from the area since last year and urged members of the public to assist police with investigations, identifying suspects and reporting all cases to police.
“There are some cases which were reported from the area, however, we urge members of the public to make sure that they report all cases to the police so that when suspects are apprehended they will be tried on all counts.
“There are instances where the reported matter is so minor and the person will be detained for a shorter period than expected and the community thinks it’s unfair but the courts would have done justice considering what would have been reported.
“So we urge people to make sure they report all cases and try to look for other key things that can help identify perpetrators like step, stature or voices,” said Dhewa.
He promised to make sure that he raises the concerns with the police responsible for the areas and urged the members of the public to help the police with all the information they have.
