Police imposters snatch US$194 000 cash in stage-managed armed robbery

By Staff Reporter

Nearly US$194 000 in cash was snatched from a businessman by four police imposters who had been tipped off of the presence of the large amount by the victim’s employee as both travelled along the Harare-Masvingo highway.

In a Tuesday statement, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of five suspects in connection with the stage-managed crime.

They are Richard Banda (23), Tawananyasha Nyengerai (21), Lionel Chipenzi (25), Harrison Chiinge (24), and Calos Muwani (23),

The incident, according Nyathi, happened on 4 August 2024 at the 136 kilometre peg along Harare-Masvingo Road, Makumimavi area, Chivhu.

Nyathi said the suspects were arrested for “stealing US$193 900 cash and a cell phone from a Toyota Hiace vehicle which was travelling from Bulawayo to Harare”.

“The vehicle was being driven by one of the suspects, Richard Banda, who was accompanied by the complainant,” he said.

“The suspects posed as police officers and stopped the vehicle. They snatched a bag containing the money and cell phone before fleeing in their getaway car, a Nissan Note registration number, AGN 2303.

“Investigations by detectives linked Richard Banda to the crime, leading to his arrest. He implicated his cousin, Tawananyasha Nyengerai and the other suspects, resulting in their arrest.”

The arrests led to the recovery of US$100 442 cash.

Nyathi added, “Subsequent inquiries revealed that Richard Banda had planned the robbery incident with his relatives and colleagues after getting information from his employer on their travel arrangements.

“The Police crack teams are on high alert and will ensure that all robbery syndicates and those who leak information on their employer’s financial status and movements are brought to book.”