ALERT members of the public in Beitbridge yesterday apprehended two alleged armed robbers who had lured an illegal money changer to a secluded place.
Initially, there were three suspects, but one escaped. The crowd beat the duo until they fell unconscious.
A firearm that was retrieved from the duo. Picture credit: Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services
According to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana, the trio also tried to hijack the victim’s car.
A firearm that was retrieved from the duo. Picture credit: Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services
Yesterday three alleged armed robbers lured an illicit currency dealer to a secluded place through a phone call pretending to be genuine clients. They tried to hijack his car and he fought them, had tyre burst. One escaped and two were apprehended by members of the public,” wrote Mr Mangwana on his Twitter timeline.
Suspects named, one succumbs to injuries in hospital
One of the two suspected armed robbers who were caught in the act and severely assaulted by members of the public in Beitbridge on Wednesday has died, reported NewsDay.
The now deceased, who was identified as Arnold Mhosva from Chivi, Masvingo Province, reportedly succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the assault.
His alleged accomplice, identified as Hendrik Nyathi (38) of Farm 158 Dewure small-scale farms in Gutu, is admitted at Beitbridge District Hospital.
Mhosva is said to have died on Wednesday soon after admission to the hospital.
The two suspects allegedly lured a Beitbridge resident Nigel Mazvanara to a service station saying they wanted to conduct a foreign currency transaction with him.
They later shot Mazvanara in the leg before robbing him of US$26 000 and trying to get away with his Honda Fit vehicle.
However, Mazvanara fought the suspects and wrestled with one of the two robbers on the steering wheel, resulting in a road accident.
Members of the public then rushed to the scene and meted out instant mob justice on the robbers before handing them to the police.