Chronicle EditorPeter Matika
ANOTHER fuel service station has been robbed in Bulawayo, following a disturbing trend where armed robbers are increasingly targeting these facilities.
According to police, the robbers got away with US$1 000 and ZAR 7 000 after raiding Blaze Petroleum, situated along Siyephambili Drive in Kelvin West.
Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele the incident occurred on March 23 at around 8 PM.
She said three unidentified suspects, clad in face masks and armed with two unidentified rifles and a pistol emerged from a nearby maize field near the service station.
“One of the suspects fired one shot into the air. The fuel attendants tried to run away but were all apprehended. They were force marched to the cash office where the suspects demanded money. The fuel attendants surrendered all the money in their possession and the suspects also took some money which was in an unlocked metal box,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
She said the robbers ordered the fuel attendants to lie down before fleeing from the scene of the crime.
“We have witnessed the upsurge of armed robberies at fuel service stations around the city . We urge petrol attendants not to keep large sums of money on themselves or on their premises but to deposit their monies in the safes under lock and key and day sales to be banked,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
The worrying surge in armed robberies targeting Bulawayo’s fuel service stations has also forced the businesses to drastically alter their operations, with some now closing their doors at night.
This drastic measure comes in response to a persistent wave of robberies, a trend that began last year, where criminals have repeatedly targeted these establishments, making off with substantial sums of foreign currency.
The escalating threat has left fuel station owners and staff increasingly vulnerable, impacting both their livelihoods and the vital service they provide to the community.
In some of the incidents, a gang made off with a total of US$2 374 and ZAR115 235 after raiding a service station located in the Kelvin industrial area last month.
He said that the robbers forced the employees to lie on the ground before stealing the cash.
In a separate incident, Commissioner Nyathi reported that the same suspected group targeted a service station in Tshabalala, where they stole US$440 and a Toyota Altezza valued at US$3 200, which they later abandoned in the Pumula suburb.
He appealed to the public for information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspects, who were wearing balaclavas.
He urged business owners to strengthen their security measures by installing CCTV systems and other electronic security devices, such as trip alarms.
Online Reporter