Moffat Mungazi
Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
TEN armed robbers recently broke into Gain Cash and Carry Wholesale at Birchenough Bridge Growth Point, and made good their escape with a large sum of money.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the robbery, saying about 10 armed men broke into Gain Cash and Carry Wholesale on March 24.
“We can confirm that Gain Cash and Carry Wholesale, located at Birchenough Bridge in Buhera was robbed by at least 10 unknown male robbers on March 24,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the grocery wholesale was open for business on March 23, before closing around 2pm.
Mr Tapiwa Matsatsa (39), who works as a security guard at the premises, began his shift around 5:40pm.
“Mr Matsatsa told the police that during his perimeter checks around 2am, he was attacked by three unknown male suspects wearing balaclavas. One of the robbers was armed with a firearm. Mr Matsatsa was overpowered by the three men, who tied his hands with a cable. The robbers thoroughly assaulted him with feasts. They took his cellphone, handheld radio, pepper spray, and catapult that he was carrying,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said seven more men arrived at the scene, joining the initial three, and broke into the warehouse, while one of the robbers remained behind guarding Mr Matsatsa.
“After assaulting the security guard, seven more men joined the other three, while armed with iron bars, and broke into the warehouse,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
The gang used dynamite explosives to crack the safe in the warehouse, and stole US$12 122 and R61 580 accumulated from the sales since March 21.
The robbers also struck the Innbucks Cash 24 facility, also located within the same building, making off with a cashbox containing US$1 960.
After the robbers escaped, Mr Matsatsa screamed for help, alerting neighbours, and Ms Beauty Dhliwayo (41), a nearby resident, responded, and notified Gain and Cash Wholesale branch manager, Ms Vanessa Ndlovu, who promptly contacted the police.
The incident was reported at ZRP Birchenough Bridge Police Post.
Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered that the robbers had gained entry by cutting a hole in the fence.
The police officers recovered part of the stolen cash, including US$104 and R1 000 from the scene.
Investigations are in progress, and no arrests have been made yet.
“Anyone with information leading to the arrest of the suspects should contact their nearest police station,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
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