Harare – A senior police officer, Assistant Inspector Dickson Mashada (42), found himself the victim of a brazen robbery on a Harare mushikashika (pirate taxi) on Thursday evening. The incident, which saw him robbed of US$420 in cash and his service identity documents, highlights the escalating crime rates within the city and the vulnerability of even law enforcement officials.
The incident occurred as Ass-Insp Mashada travelled from the Harare Central Business District (CBD) to Newlands, boarding a mushikashika with two female passengers and one male passenger. The seemingly ordinary journey took a dangerous turn near Harare Central Remand Prison. One of the female passengers suddenly grabbed Ass-Insp Mashada by the neck, while the other produced a knife, issuing a direct threat.
The robbers demanded his wallet, and after a brief struggle, the female passenger searched him and took his wallet. The wallet contained his police identity card, national identity card, bank cards, and the US$420 in cash. After the robbery, the robbers callously abandoned Ass-Insp Mashada opposite the Kebab Centre before driving off towards Newlands Shopping Centre at approximately 7 pm.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the details of the robbery. He stated that the police are actively investigating the case and pursuing all available leads to apprehend the perpetrators. The incident underscores the growing concern about violent crime in Harare and the need for enhanced security measures to protect citizens.
Inspector Chakanza also highlighted another robbery case involving a 28-year-old woman, Vimbai Mufungi, who was robbed of US$920 while waiting for transport in Hopley. In this separate incident, two men armed with knives attacked Ms Mufungi, stealing her handbag which contained an iPhone, an Itel cellphone, her national identity card, medical aid cards, a power bank, and her house keys. The robbers then fled the scene.
“Police are investigating robbery cases involving knives where two passengers lost their money and valuables,” said Insp Chakanza, emphasising the police’s commitment to addressing these escalating crimes.
He detailed the second incident, describing how the two knife-wielding robbers targeted Ms Mufungi, highlighting the brazen nature of the attacks. The robberies underscore the increasing prevalence of violent crime and the need for enhanced security measures to protect citizens.
The robbery of Ass-Insp Mashada is particularly concerning given his position as a police officer. The theft of his service identity card poses a significant security risk, potentially allowing the robbers to impersonate a police officer for fraudulent activities.
My Zimbabwe News could not ascertain whether the US$420 that Asst Insp Mashada lost to the alleged female armed robber belonged to him or to the police, given the fact that he was robbed while on his way to Morris Depot.
