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Mpumelelo Nyoni Chronicle Reporter
ARMED robbery and plain robbery cases are on the increase in the country, according to a survey conducted by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat).In the first six months of this year, 355 armed robbery and 3,772 robbery cases were recorded countrywide, up from 265 armed robbery and 3,474 robbery cases reported within the same period last year. This represents an increase of 90 armed robbery and 298 robbery cases.

The highest number of armed robberies’ this year was recorded in May, which reported 76 cases, while March had the most robberies at 792.

March had the least number of recorded armed robberies at 59 while June recorded the least number of robbery cases at 559.

The figures given are crimes reported to the police for the periods shown. The national total is derived from all stations, the report says.

In one of the latest reported armed robbery cases, a three-member gang walked into the Maphisa branch of Agribank last week and stole more than $30,000 in cash at gun-point.

One person was arrested in connection with the case, and he is in remand prison.

Some armed robbers are now resorting to shooting not only at their victims, but also at police in an attempt to avoid arrest.

National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi could not be reached for a comment on the crime statistics.