Armed Robbers Attack Police Patrol, Steal Rifle and Vehicle in Harare

Three police officers were injured early Friday morning after being attacked by armed robbers who disarmed them and stole a service rifle, a patrol vehicle, and mobile phones in a bold incident in Harare.

The attack reportedly occurred around 12:20AM along Northolt Road, near Divaris Makaharis School in the Mabelreign suburb, according to an internal police report.

Inspector Magidi, Constable Chihanga, and Constable Nyamushamba were conducting a stationary patrol when they were suddenly confronted by three suspects wearing black balaclavas. The attackers were armed with a claw bar and a powerful torch.

According to the report, the suspects approached the vehicle unexpectedly, catching the officers off guard. Inspector Magidi instructed Constable Chihanga to fire at the attackers, but the Heckler & Koch G3 rifle failed to discharge after jamming.

Taking advantage of the malfunction, the suspects surrounded the vehicle and shattered the windscreen using the claw bar.

Constable Nyamushamba, who was driving, managed to escape through the driver’s door but was struck on the shoulder during the process. Inspector Magidi attempted to exit the vehicle to confront the attackers but was hit on the forehead with a brick and lost consciousness.

Constable Chihanga, trapped inside initially, fought back by striking one of the suspects with the rifle butt before forcing his way out. However, he was then attacked and hit twice on the head with a claw bar, causing him to fall.

The robbers seized the G3 rifle along with its magazine and fled the scene in the officers’ vehicle, a white Nissan Tiida. They also took two mobile phones.

All three officers were rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the three suspects and are working to recover the stolen vehicle, the rifle, and the mobile phones, identified as a Samsung A15 and a Tecno Spark 10.