Harare — Two men were last week robbed at knifepoint and stripped naked in separate incidents in Chiweshe while on their way from beer drinks.

Mashonaland Central police spokesman Assistant Inspector Petros Masikati confirmed both incidents, saying the suspects were on the run.

In the first case, which occurred last Sunday, Mr Maruva Marete (38) of Mashonganyika Village under Chief Makope, was walking along a footpath from Nzvimbo Growth Point to his home at around 9:30pm.

Two men -- one armed with a knife and the other holding a stick -- suddenly emerged from the bushes and grabbed him.

One struck him with the stick while the other threatened to stab him with the knife.

The robbers forced him to strip naked.

They tied their victim before making off with his Nokia 1110i, US$25, his clothes and a satchel.

In the second incident, which occurred the following day, Mr Tendai Vambe and a colleague Mr Tapiwa Mutsvairo were going home late at night when two men confronted them along a gravel road near Nzvimbo Growth Point.

One of the men struck Mr Vambe with an iron bar once on the forehead.

Sensing danger, Mr Vambe fled from the scene, leaving his friend behind.

Mr Mutsvairo was assaulted with fists before being stripped naked.

The robbers disappeared with Mr Mutsvairo's clothes.

It is not clear if the crimes were committed by the same pair.