THREE armed robbers raided two shops at Chinembiri business centre in Chivi and got away with $455, phones and groceries,

Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said the incident occurred on Monday at around 9pm.

She said the suspects are still at large and police have launched a manhunt.

“We have received a report of an armed robbery which occurred at a business centre in Chivi. The three men armed with guns disappeared soon after committing the crime,” said Insp Mazula.

She said the trio attacked Mr Vengai Unganai (26) and Ms Nomalia Moyo (33) of Bazange Village under Headman Madyangove who are shopkeepers at Chinembiri business centre.

The three men, said Insp Mazula, ordered the two to lie down.

“One of the men is said to have fired one shot into the air before ordering Ms Moyo to surrender her handbag where they found $55.

“The second man fired a second shot leading to Ms Moyo surrendering another handbag which had $400. They also took away two Nokia cellphones from their victims,” she said

Another shop keeper, Mr Tawanda Chigumira who was in the next shop sleeping heard the gun shots, woke up and fled leaving the doors to the shops open.

The police spokesperson said the trio got into the shop, ransacked it and stole six litres of Mazoe drink, nine 20 Madison cigarette packs before they disappeared into the darkness.

After the robbers had gone, Mr Unganai went to inform Ward 12 Councillor Ms Anavoleta Chivava, who phoned the police.

Meanwhile, Insp Mazula advised business people not to keep cash at their premises as they risk being robbed.

“We urge business people to learn to bank their money daily. We also urge members of the public not to resist orders from robbers as they can be harmed,” she said — By Walter Mswazie-source-herald.