Armed robbers have stolen more than $200,000 (£158,000) from a security company in eastern Zimbabwe, police say.

The gang of at least five men targeted a Fawcetts Security facility in the town of Chipinge early on Wednesday.

They made off with US$111,411 and 1,281,320 South African rand after overpowering guards and breaking into a vault.

“This was a well-planned operation,” said Detective Inspector Michael Ndlovu. “The robbers showed a high level of organisation and inside knowledge.”

According to police, the robbers:

Hijacked a Fawcetts Security vehicle in Chipinge town centre
Impersonated security guards to gain access to the main depot
Disabled alarm systems and overpowered on-site security
Used power tools to break into a vault containing cash boxes

The gang later abandoned the Fawcetts staff in a rural area about 6km (3.7 miles) north of Chipinge.

Authorities have recovered the stolen vehicle and some discarded weapons, but the suspects remain at large.

This incident highlights growing concerns about the security of financial operations in Zimbabwe, where cash-in-transit heists have been on the rise in recent years.

Police have appealed for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.