Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba

THE embattled Commercial Farmers Union has warned its members to be on high alert amid reports that a three-man robbery gang was on the prowl targeting farmers in the Masvingo and Midlands provinces.

BY STAFF REPORTER

CFU director Hendrik Olivier in a statement at the weekend said suspects who were linked to an armed robbery in Masvingo last month, attacked a farmer in the Mwenezi/Ngundu area on Saturday night and got away with a .45 Webley revolver.

“Please be on the lookout for three criminals who were seen driving away from the scene in a dark coloured Toyota Ipsum vehicle.

One was dressed in a brown police uniform with a cap; another was dressed in the blue police uniform and the third was dressed in (military) camouflage,” Olivier said.

“They approached the farmer wanting to check up on firearms licences and became physical when he asked for identification, tying him and his wife up and assaulting them to hand over money.

Another robbery in the Gweru area last weekend may be linked to the group. We await further details.”

He added: “In the Masvingo assault there were two pistols but they lost one in the struggle with the farmer. However, in last night (Saturday) incident they seized the farmer’s .45 Webley revolver and came with a silver 38 revolver.

Please be warned and tighten up your security.”

Olivier said the affected farmers had individually reported the matter to police.

“I am aware that our members who have been affected have reported to the police and in particular Mwenezi dealing with the issues,” he said.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba could not be reached for comment yesterday.