Two suspects, who allegedly tried to rob a Polokwane resident along the Beit Bridge-Bulawayo road in Zimbabwe on Good Friday, were arrested on Saturday.

The two men were arrested at West Nicholson near Gwanda town, following another futile attempt to rob a motorist along the same highway on Friday night.

Police spokesman for Matabeleland South Insp Dzirutwe said the two were part of an armed robbery syndicate, targeting motorists. He said the two would soon appear in court on armed robbery charges.

The two knife-wielding suspects were outwitted by the 33 year-old Polokwane resident. The victim was driving from Beit Bridge town and heading towards Bulawayo and, along the way, he decided to make a stopover at a lay-bye point where he subsequently took a nap. However, while he was sleeping, the two suspects, armed with knives, emerged from the bush and tried to force open the doors of his car, resulting in his waking up. The three started wrestling.

The suspects pulled out knives and tried to stab the victim in the chest, but he managed to shield himself, using his elbow. The victim managed to overpower one of his assailants before he quickly got back into his car and sped off. The victim sustained minor injuries as a result of the attack. He then drove to the nearest police station, where he reported the matter to the police.

The two suspects were arrested, following a three-week-long hunt.

Of late, there has been an increase in the number of armed robbery cases along the major highways in the neighboring country in which motorists are mainly targeted.