SHURUGWI – A mineworker from Dollars Farm in Shurugwi was tortured with cigarette burns by three machete-wielding robbers who threatened to chop him up after finding only US$15 on him.
Police only identified the bandits – who are still at large – as Spencer, Mazebhi, and Fadzi, adding they robbed Lawrence Ngudze along Shurugwi Road in broad daylight Wednesday while he was coming from work at Simbi Mine.
Upon meeting him, the suspects ordered Ngudze to sit on the road as they executed the robbery.
When he refused, one of the accused, Spencer, drew a machete and slapped the complainant across the chest with the flat side of the weapon, forcing Ngudze to comply in fear for his life.
A search only produced US$15 from his wallet, police said.
Unsatisfied with the small loot, Fadzi demanded more money and tortured the complainant, burning him on the left side of the neck with a cigarette.
When Ngudze screamed in agony, Spencer struck him again with the machete before ordering him to flee. Police said the suspects are likely illegal gold panners.
The incident was reported at Gweru Rural Police Station under RRB 4703141.
Concerned about the increase in robberies and murders in Midlands, Gweru Rural District Chief Superintendent Enthia Muzvidziwa issued a ban Tuesday on the carrying of machetes and other dangerous weapons.
