Hwedza farmers robbed of 15 tobacco bales

By Kundai Sharamba
MARONDERA- Mashonaland East police have launched a manhunt for five
suspects who allegedly robbed Hwedza farmers of 15 bales of tobacco at gun point.
It is reported that Karembo brothers, Tron (29) and Taurai (36) of Munzverengi
Village under Chief Svosve in Hwedza were transporting tobacco to Marondera sales
floors early last week when their vehicle had a tyre puncture.
After about 30 minutes, an unregistered Nissan Atlas truck approached them from
the front and parked near their vehicle.
Five unknown men disembarked and one of them was armed with a pistol. The
complainants pointed a pistol at Taurai and ordered the duo to sit down.
As reported, the unknown suspects allegedly offloaded all the 15 bales and loaded
them into their lorry.
They also searched the duo and stole an Itel P37 and Huawei cellphones as well as
US$70, national ID and CBZ bank card from Taurai, US$20, driver licence and
national ID from Tron.
The suspects drove off in the direction of Marondera.
Confirming the robbery, provincial police spokesperson for Mashonaland East,
Inspector Simon Chazovachiyi appealed for information that may assist in arresting
the suspects.
He also urged tobacco farmers to avoid travelling at night as they could be targeted
by criminals.
“As police, we urge tobacco not to transport their tobacco during the night. They
must always be security conscious so that they do not lose their produce to robbers,”
Inspector Chazovachiyi said.