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Angela Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
POLICE have arrested seven men who allegedly went on a rampage attacking villagers with machetes, spears, bows and arrows while confiscating their properties in Gokwe, Midlands province.

Bernard Honye (35), Brian Mapani (21), Johnson Makorekanwa (35), Alex Mushayabasa (54), Nicholas Chanetsa (54), Chrispen Makorekanwa (24) and Benovolet Chigayo (32) allegedly attacked their victims between June 13 and October 1.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest of the seven.

Asst Comm Nyathi said the suspects are being charged with nine counts of armed robbery, attempted murder, stock theft and malicious damage to property.

He said some of their victims are battling for life in local hospitals as they were severely attacked.

“During the period of 13th June 2021 and 1st October 2021 the suspects wreaked havoc in the area where they attacked their victims with machetes, axes, catapults, spears, stones, bows and arrows before demanding valuables.

In some instances, the suspects would attack the victims over petty arguments,” he said.

“Several victims lost property including cattle, goats, cellphones, cash, groceries and clothes during the heist whilst some were seriously injured. Two injured victims who sustained severe injuries are battling for their lives in hospital.”

Asst Comm Nyathi said police recovered two cattle and weapons that were used to commit the crimes.

He said police are committed to weeding out criminals from society.

Over the past few months police have arrested several hard-core criminals including armed robbers in Bulawayo who raided some of the city’s financial institutions.

Police have also raised alarm over members of the public keeping large sums of money especially in mining areas. On Monday, cops reported that a family from Colleen Bawn in Gwanda lost US$40 000 to 10 unknown armed robbers.The same robbers also raided their first victims’ neighbours and they got away with R310 000.