Heist on the Highway: Cash-in-Transit Crew Loses US$20,000 in Mysterious Theft

Heist on the Highway: Cash-in-Transit Crew Loses US$20,000 in Mysterious Theft: A bizarre turn of events unraveled on October 16, 2024, as a cash-in-transit crew found themselves robbed in broad daylight. What started as a routine trip became an intricate crime.

The crew, transporting cash from Beitbridge to Mutare, unexpectedly offered a ride to two passengers at Lutumba and Machiloni. It was a gesture of generosity that would soon turn into disaster.

Unbeknownst to the crew, these two hitchhikers had more than just a free ride in mind. As they were dropped off at Rutenga and Ngundu, the real drama was yet to unfold.

Upon reaching Ngundu, the crew realized something was amiss. The locked metal box containing US$20,000 had vanished, leaving no trace behind. Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the police were investigating this brazen theft.

Questions abound: How did the thieves manage to steal the locked box without the crew noticing? Was it planned or opportunistic? These are just a few mysteries that surround this audacious heist.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a full-scale investigation into the matter. Given the bold nature of the crime, authorities are leaving no stone unturned.

Interestingly, this incident wasn’t isolated. A separate robbery had unfolded the previous day in Bulawayo, where seven suspects armed with pistols and a pick broke into a steel company.

In this instance, the suspects overpowered the security, tied up two guards, and held 12 workers hostage. They stole a staggering US$32,500 and South African Rand 300 before vanishing into the night.

The intensity of such crimes has sparked public debate on the rising wave of cash-in-transit robberies. Are private security companies prepared to deal with such threats? And more importantly, is it time to rethink safety protocols?

Criminals seem to be growing bolder, capitalizing on lapses in security and public trust. The disappearance of the US$20,000 has left authorities scratching their heads, and the public, wondering about safety.

Private security firms in Zimbabwe are now under scrutiny. With large sums of money in transit, the risks have never been higher. Shouldn’t there be stronger security measures, such as fewer stops or restricting unauthorized passengers?

The police are urging the public to come forward with any information that may help solve these cases. Citizens are encouraged to contact the National Complaints Desk or report to their nearest police station.

As Zimbabwe’s cash-in-transit sector grapples with such incidents, the challenge for authorities is to restore public trust and bring these culprits to justice.

At the same time, private security companies are likely reassessing their protocols, knowing full well that any vulnerability can be exploited by savvy criminals.

The fate of the missing US$20,000 remains a mystery, adding to the tension around security breaches in the country.

The Zim Bulletin