Online Reporter
Gift Moyo [email protected]
Several gunshots were heard in central Bulawayo shortly after 6pm this evening, as police officers reportedly pursued a suspected drug dealer near Watering Hole, between 8th and 9th Avenue along George Silundika Street.
Witnesses at the scene alleged that police officers fired several shots towards the wheels of a dark-blue Honda Fit with tinted windows as they attempted to stop a fleeing individual identified by the alias “Allo”, who is allegedly known in Bulawayo for drug dealing.
According to witnesses, the suspect reversed the vehicle into a crowd of onlookers before manoeuvring away and speeding off. Police officers reportedly pursued the vehicle both on foot and in police vehicles.
Some police officers carrying AK-47 rifles were seen chasing the Honda Fit on foot before two officers were reportedly picked up by an unidentified gold-coloured Toyota, which joined the pursuit.
The chase reportedly continued towards 11th Avenue, where witnesses last saw the dark-blue Honda Fit being followed closely by a white police Toyota Defender, two Honda Fits and the unidentified gold-coloured vehicle.
“Allo” is alleged by residents to be involved in the distribution of substances including Bronco, marijuana and Xanax to young people in Bulawayo. These allegations could not independently be verified at the time of publication.
One witness, who requested anonymity, said the police appeared to take public safety into consideration during the pursuit.
“We were terrified when the bullets rang out. People were scattering everywhere. No fatalities occurred and no one was injured,” the witness said.
“We hope he gets caught. He has been poisoning the public and our children for a while now,” the witness added.
As of the time of publication, police had not issued a public statement regarding the shooting or the reported pursuit. The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the number of shots fired and whether anyone was injured or arrested, remain subject to official confirmation.
