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The two men who were wielding machetes went on to rob the policeman of R100, a cellphone and a car radio.

The victim, Sergeant Ranic Tawanda Chinguruve (29), attached to the district community relations and liaison department in the border town, said the incident occurred on Sunday at about 6pm in a bushy area along the Beitbridge-Bulawayo road.

“I drove to a nearby bush where I usually conduct prayer sessions. Soon after parking my car, I then proceeded to my place of worship whereupon kneeling I heard the sound of footsteps and I became suspicious,” he said.
He was then confronted by two men who struck him with machetes on the head and hands.

“One of the suspects searched my trouser pockets and took R100, a cellphone and car keys and unlocked the doors of the car and stole my car radio,” said Sgt Chinguruve.

Soon after committing the offence, the two men fled into the thick forest.

Sgt Chinguruve, however, managed to drive the car to the police station and reported the matter.

“When I arrived at the police station, I collapsed due to excess bleeding from the wounds and my colleagues rushed me to the hospital,” he said.

He sustained a fractured hand and severe head injuries.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Loveness Mangena confirmed the incident, saying they have since launched a manhunt for the suspects.

“We are also appealing to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the two suspects to inform us or visit any nearest police station.

“We would like to take this opportunity to warn    people against going to secluded areas without company as they risk being mugged.

“We are also saying worshippers should move in groups to avoid the recurrence of such incidents,” said the police spokesperson.

Of late there has been an increase in the number of muggings and robberies in the border  town.

Last week, another local man was attacked by two men who were brandishing a pistol and an axe.
They robbed him of R2 000 and a cellphone.