The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
A CHIPINGE couple that was travelling to Renco Mine was left counting its losses after a man they had offered a lift robbed them.
Godfrey Vhurepi of Nyondozi Village under Chief Garahwa and his wife Sostina Mutedeke lost US$300, R440 and a smartphone to the man they had offered a ride.
The culprit is still at large after disappearing into the bush.
The matter was reported at Rupangwana police base and officers attended the scene.
Manicaland police spokesman, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka could not shed more light on the matter as he was yet to be furnished with the facts.
However, police sources privy to the matter told The Manica Post that the suspect flagged Vhurepi to stop at Checheche Growth Point around 5pm.
When Vhurepi stopped, the suspect asked for a lift to Ngundu.
Vhurepi indicated that he was going to turn-off at Renco Mine before Ngundu and the supposedly stranded man pleaded with the complainant to carry him anyway.
Along the way, an unsuspecting Vhurepi complained of hunger, and pulled off at a lay-by just after Chizvirizvi Business Centre to eat his prepared meal.
“As he was washing his hands, the culprit grabbed his neck and ordered him to surrender all the money and valuables in his possession. He threatened to shoot or stab the couple and their child if they refused to comply with his demands.
“Vhurepi surrendered US$300, R40 and his phone.
“The suspect then turned to Vhurepi’s wife who was seated with their six-year-old son and made the same demand. She gave him R400,” said the police source who preferred anonymity citing protocol.
Vhurepi then got out of the vehicle and started flagging other motorists for help.
“The suspect tried to escape but all the doors had been locked. The culprit then smashed the vehicle’s window open and vanished into the nearby bush. Other motorists and passengers who stopped to help formed a search party but they failed to apprehend the suspect,” said the source.
Vhurepi sustained a cut on the left arm.
