Armed robbers hit shop, Honda Fit driver in one day

POLICE investigations are underway after two armed robbery incidents occurred in the city on Tuesday evening. In both cases, two armed robbers seized a vehicle before targeting a city shop.

Witnesses reported that the suspects, wearing woollen hats and surgical masks, were armed with an AK-47 and a pistol. The assailants stormed the FMG Cash and Carry shop, manhandling staff and ransacking the tills, ultimately escaping with US$700.

“They stormed into FMG Cash and Carry situated at corner 8th Avenue and Herbert Chitepo after discovering that the shop was about to close. They beat up the security guard, whom they left lying on the floor.

“Both men were clad in surgical masks and woollen hats. The one armed with the AK-47 was manning the entrance and the one with a pistol took cash from the tills before they got away,” said a witness.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incidents and said police were conducting investigations.

“Police are investigating an armed robbery incident that occurred in Bulawayo on Tuesday evening, where two armed men pounced on a shop situated at 8th Avenue and Herbert Chitepo Street. The two suspects produced firearms, attacked workers, before ransacking the tills and took US$400 and $300 from two different tills,” said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi.

He urged business owners to enhance security in the evening as there are high risks of robberies.

“Businesspeople should beef up security and always ensure the safety of their workers. They should also avoid keeping large sums of money, as this always attracts robbers,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

In the hijacking incident, Asst Comm Nyathi stated that police investigations are ongoing and immediate links between the crimes have not been established. However, he confirmed that an armed duo hijacked a Honda Fit driver, assaulted him and his passenger and stole US$43 and R200. Despite the lack of direct evidence, there are circumstances strongly implicating the suspects.

“Yesterday a Honda Fit driver picked up two men who pretended to be customers and wanted to hire the vehicle. They were picked up in Pumula suburb, before hijacking the vehicle. They beat up the driver after producing firearms and later dumped the driver at a nearby garage and sped off,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He cautioned the public against picking up strangers, particularly after dark, as some of these individuals may be criminals operating under the guise of customers.

“If you are using a family car let it be a family car, if it is public transport go to designated places and avoid picking up criminals,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.