SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA —  A group of causal laborers in Gitarama market foiled an attempted robbery by two armed thugs. 

The unidentified thugs wielding one Sub-Machine Gun (SMG) entered two shops on Wednesday demanding for the day’s sale from traders, according to Police sources.

"The shop owners shouted for rescue and we took heed thinking it was petty thieves. We came closer and surrounded the thugs before they shot twice in the air and we all took to our heels,” one eye witness Casmir Hakizimana said.

Police and local defence forces pursued the thugs who reportedly vanished into the nearby bushes in Nyarucyamo village-but there were no arrests by press time.

"No merchandise or money was stolen and security officials are still hunting for the culprits who managed to escape after firing in the air,” said the Inspector of Police, Emmanuel Manimba.

Security officials have attributed crimes to the growing number of idle people in Gitarama town; and serious crack down will be conducted.

Other reports indicate that armed robbers have in past weeks been attacking and robbing residents in Muhanga Sector, along Kibuye route, especially during late hours.

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