Fawcetts Security Robbed 

A brazen heist unfolded early Wednesday at a Fawcetts Security facility in Chipinge, where armed robbers made off with US$111,411 and R1.28 million. Police believe at least five men, armed with pistols, were involved in the raid, which began just before 3 AM.

The incident started when two Fawcetts Security guards, on rapid response duty and parked in the town center, were approached by masked assailants. The robbers ordered the guards to open the van doors at gunpoint, then forced them into the vehicle’s cash compartment, binding their hands with cable ties.

After taking control of the Isuzu KB250, the robbers drove to an undisclosed location where additional accomplices joined, equipped with tools such as grinders and hammers. The gang then disguised themselves in the guards’ uniforms before heading to the Fawcetts depot on Gaza O Light Industry.

At the depot, they deceived a guard into opening the gate, quickly overpowering him and a second guard on perimeter duty. The robbers disabled security systems and cameras, allowing them to access the vault. Using a grinder, they opened six cash boxes and loaded the stolen cash into the van.

After the heist, the robbers abandoned the guards and the vehicle in a bushy area at Mooilsplas Farm, 6 km north of Chipinge. One guard managed to free himself and alerted authorities. Police later recovered the Isuzu’s keys, along with Fawcetts uniforms, 54 km from Chipinge.

The three firearms taken from the guards were found abandoned at the Fawcetts establishment. An investigation is ongoing as police seek to apprehend the suspects involved in this audacious crime.