Police have warned haulage truck drivers to avoid travelling at night on the Harare-Chirundu highway saying there are dangerous criminals who are on the prowl targeting trucks between 7 PM and 5 AM.
In a statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the criminals pounce on the trucks on a stretch from 160 km peg to 170 km peg along the highway. He said:
The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges haulage truck drivers travelling along the Harare-Chirundu highway to be on the lookout for criminals targeting trucks travelling uphill at low speeds, especially between 1900 hours and 0500 hours.
Police inquiries have revealed that targeted places are Mapinga mountains, Mtala mountains and a stretch from 160 km peg to 170 km peg along Harare-Chirundu Highway.
The criminals are robbing drivers and passengers of personal belongings which include cash, cellphones and laptops, diesel and the load being carried by trucks.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police advises truck drivers to avoid moving during the night and where possible, move in convoys.
Truck drivers are warned against picking up passengers along the way as some of them have turned out to be robbers.
The Police urge motorists to quickly contact the Police when attacked on the following numbers, Mashonaland West Operations, (067) 212 129 047, National Complaints Desk, (242) 703631 or WhatsApp, 0712 800 197.