Online ReporterRaymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
BULAWAYO police are on the hunt for two suspected armed robbers, who subjected a man and woman to a terrifying ordeal in Pumula suburb on Sunday evening.
The dramatic incident unfolded along Intemba Road, in a bushy stretch between Pumula East and Pumula South, around 6pm, when a 33-year-old man from Cowdray Park and his 24-year-old female companion from Pumula East were ambushed while travelling in a silver Honda vehicle en route to Nkulumane.
“Police are investigating a case of armed robbery, which occurred in Pumula along Intemba Road,” confirmed Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele.
According to police, the two suspects, who were armed with a pistol, emerged from the roadside and forced the driver to stop. The gunmen then pointed the firearm at the victims before opening the vehicle’s doors and ordering the female passenger to tie the driver’s hands and feet with a cable.
They then shoved him into the back seat. One of the suspects got behind the wheel and drove the car deeper into the bush.
In a chilling act of violence, one of the suspects allegedly fired a shot at the driver’s window.
The bullet ricocheted inside the vehicle, injuring the female victim on her left foot. The robbers then demanded cash from the pair before making off with two Samsung Galaxy smartphones and a Nokia handset, all valued at about US$280.
“One of the suspects attempted to rape the woman but she managed to overpower him,” said Insp Msebele.
“The suspects fled the scene shortly afterwards.”
The injured woman was rushed to a local hospital, where she received treatment for the gunshot wound.
Police have since launched a manhunt and are appealing to members of the public for assistance.
“Anyone with information that may assist in the arrest of the suspects should contact any nearest police station,” said Insp Msebele.
