Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa, Mashonaland East Bureau
FIVE suspected armed robbers blew up an ATM at a bank in Murehwa Centre early yesterday, escaping with US$30 000 and ZiG15 000.
No arrests had been made by yesterday, with police investigating the incident.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the robbery.
“We are investigating an armed robbery incident which occurred in Murehwa where five suspects blew up an ATM and went away with US$30 000 as well as ZiG15 000.
“We will release more information later as investigations continue,” Comm Nyathi said.
The incident reportedly occurred around 2am.
The suspects allegedly first disarmed and assaulted a security guard manning the bank premises before blowing up the ATM.
They reportedly attempted to apprehend another security guard at a nearby bank but failed.
A Murehwa resident who declined to be named appealed to authorities to deal decisively with armed robbers.
“We woke up today (yesterday) to this devastating news that our area has been attacked by armed robbers and some money has been stolen.
“This is scary and we are concerned with this spate of robbery incidents as citizens and Government should put a stop to this.
“We are now afraid to conduct our business due to these criminals.”
Another resident appealed to police to bring the suspects to justice.
“We have trust in our police to deal with these issues promptly. We know they are capable of finding these culprits.
“What happened in Murehwa is wrong. To our police, please help us and bring these people to book. Murehwa and the entire nation should be free from these armed robbers.”
The robbery comes amid growing concern over attacks targeting ATMs and businesses holding large amounts of cash.
