There has been a surge of gang-related robberies at knifepoint in Mandalay City, with six incidents over three days, from 22 to 24 September, according to residents who spoke to Mizzima.

This rise in incidents of knife-related crime, even in broad daylight, has concerned residents who fear for their safety. They are now taking extra precautions and calling for an urgent increase in security levels.

Some of the attacks are detailed below.

On 22 September an unidentified gang attacked a man on a motorcycle with an axe near the Industrial Police Station in Pyigyidagun Township, Mandalay City. They hacked the victim with the axe, stole his motorcycle and fled.

A local philanthropist said: “Regarding the incidents of stabbings and robberies in Mandalay, the four men attacked a man riding a motorcycle with an axe, resulting in cuts on his head and hands.”

“On 23 September, yet another incident took place near the township Police Station on 62nd Street. In this incident, a man riding a motorcycle was attacked with a knife. Fortunately, the man escaped unharmed, but his motorcycle was stolen by the assailants”, said a Pyigyidagun Township resident.

On 24 September knives were used in robberies at Kan Taw Gyi Circular Road in Chanmyathazi Township and near 38 Street in Mahar Aung Myay Township, in Mandalay.

A Mandalay resident said that knifepoint robberies have been occurring frequently in Mandalay, sometimes happening two or more times a day. The attackers are behaving with impunity and residents believe that the criminals have established some sort of control in the areas where the attacks are taking place.

Residents have called for better security to protect them not only from knife crime but also from drug dealing and illegal gambling