The crew of the Boundary Express bus that was hijacked between Mvuma and Mushagashe tollgate on Monday is facing lockdown breach charges.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told The Herald in an interview that the crew was in breach of lockdown measures by driving at wee hours. He added:
_The Beitbridge Border Post is still closed for the public and there is no need for people to board such buses._
He added that it was worrying to note that some of these operators were also assisting smugglers, among other criminal activities.
The South Africa-bound bus was carrying about 40 passengers who were stabbed and robbed of more than US$15 980, R31 340 and ZWL$2 510 by five armed robbers.
Some of the passengers were hospitalised at Masvingo General Hospital. Asst Insp Nyathi said:
_One of the passengers who was being talkative or resisting was dragged out of the bus and stabbed. He was left unconscious before the robbers disappeared._
The Boundary Express coach left Mbudzi roundabout in Harare around 9 pm and two of the unidentified armed robbers carrying knives, pistols and machetes had boarded at the same time when it set out for Beitbridge.
The other three boarded when the bus stopped at a food court.
Some of the victims note that a small vehicle was following behind the bus and was used as a getaway vehicle after the robbery.
Asst Comm Nyathi urged transport operators to ensure the security of their passengers and to also obey the national lockdown regulations by avoiding moving during the night.
More: Pindula News; The Herald