The ManicaPost
Kudzai Matanga Weekender Correspondent
A Rusape man was left battling for life after three armed robbers who gave him a lift on Sunday morning from Headlands to Rusape stabbed him all over the body before relieving him of his money and mobile phone.
He was then dumped in a gum tree plantation along the road.
Lovemore Magodo (22) of Headlands is hospitalised at Rusape General Hospital where he is in critical but stable condition.
Rusape police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Muzondiwa Clean confirmed the incident adding investigations were underway.
“We have launched a manhunt for the three suspected armed robbers who used an unregistered Toyota Sienta, light green in colour, to rob Magodo, who boarded the car at Mhandara Business Centre, Headlands, at around 8am heading to Rusape.
“Magodo sat on the front passenger seat next to the driver. There were two male passengers who were sitting at the back seat. After travelling for some distance, one of the unidentified robbers sitting at the back requested for the fare from Magodo, who handed him $7. The other man seated directly behind him cast a rope around Magodo’s neck and started strangling him with the help of his colleague.
“One of the robbers then took out a knife and stabbed Magodo several times on the right hand, buttocks, in the back and on the left rib before taking his phone, $60 and US$20.
The robbers tied Magodo’s hands and legs, covered his mouth with a cloth and dumped him in some gum plantations, 50 metres away from the highway,” said Assistant Inspector Clean.
Magodo was helped by a passer-by who saw him writhing in pain and immediately reported the matter to the police.
Assistant Inspector Clean appealed to anyone who might have information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to report to the nearest police station.
He also warned members of the public against using private vehicles especially those without registration plates.
