Armed gang storm Chinese business in dramatic evening raid, snatch US$98 000
Suspects overpower guards, march victims into bedrooms with hands tied
By Auther Chimbgwa
Five men stormed a Chinese businessman’s premises in Harare’s Borrowdale suburb Thursday evening and overpowered two security guards before making off with US$97 100 cash.
The incident happened at Citibay Investment Pvt Ltd at number 10 Ammedale road, Borrowdale which also serves as a home for four Chinese company employees.
Citibay Investment, Pvt Ltd is a Sinoblast Company which deals in manufacturing and selling explosives in Domboshava, just outside Harare.
Confirming the incident, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the five unidentified suspects approached the security guards at the victim’s place of residence, armed with some pistols.
“They threatened and overpowered the two guards from Weisheng security services who were manning the main gate,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
“The suspects then tied the security guards on both hands and force marched them to the victim’s house.
“As they moved towards the main door, they coincidentally met with one of the victim’s colleagues whom they pointed a firearm at and ordered to lead them into the dining room, where the victim was seated with two other Chinese colleagues.
“When they were inside the house, the suspects allegedly tied the victim’s colleagues with strings on both legs and hands and threatened to shoot them if they did not comply with their demands.”
The five then frog-marched the victim to his bedroom and ordered him to give them money.
The suspects allegedly also took a Vivo cell phone with Buddie line which is linked to the camera security system of the premises.
They then threatened and demanded money from another victim who surrendered US$7 100-00, a Lenovo laptop and an iPad.
The victim filed a report at Borrowdale police station.
The crime scene was immediately attended by officers from the same station.
“The amount stolen is US$97 100 and nothing was recovered,” said Commissioner Nyathi, who, however, said two suspects are assisting police with investigations linked to the case.
