The SAPS and its Zimbabwean counterpart in Beit Bridge have arrested 20 suspects, among them a man linked to a murder case and a notorious armed robber with 10 crimes committed in Musina.

The local police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Lawrence Chinhengo, said the suspects were arrested during an ongoing joint crackdown on robbers operating along the border. Police also recovered several knives and axes which were used in committing the offences.

“We have intensified the fight against crime, particularly robberies, which have of late become rampant,” he said.

Chinhengo said the criminals were operating along the borderline and on major highways where they mainly targeted motorists -mostly truck drivers taking a rest at lay-byes.

Last week, a South African truck driver was robbed of his cellphones and groceries by robbers who had waylaid him at a lay-bye along the Beit Bridge-Masvingo road.

“We suspect these people are operating as a syndicate, targeting mainly motorists using the Beit Bridge-Masvingo road. We are also appealing to community members to assist us with information that could lead to the arrest of several other suspects still at large,” he said.

Chinhengo said the suspects would soon appear in court.