Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Senior Zimpapers Writer
A 60-year-old Bulawayo man was left injured and traumatised after armed robbers stormed his Manningdale home in the early hours of New Year’s Day, attacking him with an axe and fleeing with thousands of United States dollars in cash.
The complainant was alone at his house when the attack occurred at around 2AM on Thursday (January 1, 2026).
According to police, the man was asleep in his bedroom when he heard suspicious noises outside. He went to investigate and was confronted by two male intruders already inside the passage.
“Sensing danger, he fled back into his bedroom and locked the door, but the desperate move failed to stop the attackers. Armed with an axe, the suspects smashed down the bedroom door and forced their way inside,” Bulawayo Metropolitan Province police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said.
She said one of the assailants, described as slim and short, wearing a blue work suit with yellow reflectors, allegedly struck the complainant repeatedly with the back of the axe while demanding cash.
The second suspect, also dressed in a similar work suit and wearing a blue woollen hat, was armed with an okapi knife.
Inspector Msebele said the complainant sustained a cut on his left finger and swelling to his feet during the assault.
“Fearing for his life, he surrendered his wallet containing US$1. The attackers were not satisfied. The robbers ransacked the bedroom, overturning drawers and scattering clothes across the house before making off with US$4 280 in cash that had been kept in a drawer, as well as a Kabot King mobile phone,” said Insp Msebele.
She said the assailants then moved to the lounge, where they grabbed an Open View decoder before fleeing. In a final act of destruction, the robbers punctured two tyres of a white Isuzu KB250 double-cab parked inside the yard.
The complainant managed to report the incident at ZRP Hillside around 3:30AM.
“Police from ZRP Hillside, CID Hillside and the Canine Unit attended the scene and confirmed that an axe had been used to break down the bedroom door. The house was found in disarray, with clothes strewn all over, while police dogs failed to pick up any scent,” said Inspector Msebele.
She said the complainant was referred to United Bulawayo Hospitals for medical examination, and his condition was reported to be stable.
“The total value of property stolen is estimated at US$4 520, and nothing has been recovered so far. Police are appealing to members of the public with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to come forward as investigations continue,” Inspector Msebele said.
