The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has warned members of the public of armed robbers clad in army uniform who are masquerading as members of the ZNA.
It is alleged that the robbers have been to Chegutu, Kadoma, Chinhoyi, Christon Bank and Mazowe. We present below ZNA’s statement in full.
ARMED ROBBERIES ALERT: CRIMINALS USES THE ZNA NAME AND UNIFORMS
The Zimbabwe National Army would like to alert members of the public that a gang of armed robbers is on the prowl in Mashonaland West Province. The robbers are using the name of the ZNA and ZRP to dupe unsuspecting victims of their valuable properties. They gain access into private premises upon production of fake search warrants.
The gang, numbering between four and six criminals, will be dressed in ZNA camouflage uniforms and others in civilian attire acting as Criminal Investigations Department police officers.
The robbers then produce these fake search warrants to unsuspecting individuals. Whilst the victims will be in a state of panic and fear they then confiscate goods and other valuables. The fake warrants are purportedly signed by the Commander Defence Forces claiming that the bearer has the authority to search premises or individuals and seize any articles which may lead to acts of terrorism.
Unsuspecting members of the public have resultantly been robbed and there have been a number of reports of such robberies through the use of these fake search warrants in Chegutu, Kadoma, Chinhoyi, Christon Bank and Mazowe.
The Zimbabwe National Army would like to categorically state that it is not conducting any such operations and all those purporting to be representing the organisation in such acts are criminals. The fake search warrants have been recovered and are being used by the police as exhibits.
Members of the public who are approached or come across any of these bogus soldiers and police officers must immediately report to their nearest Police Station or the Zimbabwe Military Police Investigations Branch, on cellphone number 0712 831 705 or landline (0242) 252 094.
