Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau
A 42-YEAR-OLD shop owner in Zvishavane was fatally shot in the head by an armed robber at her home last Wednesday.
The lone gunman allegedly stole an undisclosed amount of cash, two cellphones, and US$100 realised from daily sales at the now-deceased, Mercy Hwahwa’s shop.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information which may assist in the investigation of a case of murder of a shop owner, Mercy Hwahwa (42) who was brutally killed on 13th December 2023 at a house in Maglas, Zvishavane,” he said.
Ass Comm Nyathi said the unidentified gunman, was wearing a mask when he force-marched Hwahwa’s employee into her house.
“On arrival, the robber claimed he had inside information that Hwahwa had cash received from a savings club, but she insisted that she didn’t have any money,” he said.
Ass Comm Nyathi said the suspect shot Hwahwa in the head at point-blank range and stole an undisclosed amount of cash and two cell phones.
He said Hwahwa was taken to Zvishavane District Hospital where she died upon admission.
“Anyone with information to contact the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 70 3631 or WhatsApp at 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station.
Armed robbery cases have been on the rise in recent years as businesspeople increasingly shun the banking system and prefer to keep their cash at business premises or in their homes,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.
Online Reporter