Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
FIVE suspected armed robbers blew up an ATM at a bank in Murehwa Centre early yesterday, and escaped with US$30 000 and ZiG15 000.
No arrests had been made by last night.
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 when the suspects allegedly disarmed and assaulted a security guard manning the bank premises.
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 we appeal to Government to 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 armed robbers.”
The robbery comes amid growing concern over attacks targeting ATMs and businesses holding large amounts of cash.
Recently, another ATM at Govans Complex in Norton was reportedly blasted, with the suspects escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Police have warned that possession or transportation of explosives without the requisite licensing or authorisation is a criminal offence under the Explosives Act (Chapter 10:08).
Comm Nyathi said law enforcement agencies would take firm action against anyone found illegally possessing or transporting explosives.
It is believed that some of the explosives are being used in armed robbery cases targeting businesses that keep large amounts of cash in safes.
Meanwhile, more than US$64 000 and R1 000 was stolen in a series of armed robberies targeting small businesses and cash collection centres in Bulawayo between July 13 and 17.
The robberies occurred in Emganwini, Cowdray Park and the central business district, prompting police and business players to strengthen collaboration in combating organised crime.
On July 13, two armed suspects raided a mobile money booth at Emganwini Shopping Centre, escaping with US$2 000 and Econet airtime worth US$280.
Three days later, armed robbers targeted another mobile money outlet in Cowdray Park as employees were closing for the day, stealing US$8 653, R1 000 and two mobile phones used for transactions.
The suspects reportedly locked employees and a customer inside an office before fleeing.
The biggest robbery occurred on July 17 when four armed men stormed a cash collection centre along Fort Street in Bulawayo’s central business district while 16 cashiers were reconciling the day’s collections.
The gang reportedly ordered employees to lie on the floor at gunpoint before escaping with approximately US$53 000 in cash.
