Bulawayo on edge as armed robbers target forex dealers and fuel stations

Online Reporter 

BULAWAYO has been rocked by a surge in violent crime, with an illegal foreign currency dealer becoming the latest victim after being shot and robbed of thousands of US dollars by an armed suspect on Monday night.

The victim, Mthokozisi Nkomo, was attacked near Maplanka Shops in Luveve at around 9.30 PM soon after disembarking from a commuter omnibus from the city centre to Gwabalanda suburb.

Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, said Nkomo noticed a suspicious individual who had also disembarked from the kombi.

Sensing danger, he allowed the suspect to pass him along Intemba Road. However, the suspect suddenly pulled out a firearm and shot him in the stomach before making off with a bag containing US$5 700, BWP2 000, R1 400, and a Samsung A13 cellphone.

“The complainant fell to the ground, bleeding profusely, as the suspect searched him and took his belongings before fleeing the scene,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

Nkomo was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital for treatment.

Asst Insp Msebele said police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect. She warned residents against carrying large sums of money, especially at night, urging them to utilise banking services to minimise risk.

Asst Insp Msebele said police are intensifying patrols and urging the public to provide any information that could help track down the perpetrators.

This incident comes amid a worrying increase in armed robberies in Bulawayo, particularly targeting fuel service stations and individuals handling large amounts of cash. Just a day before the forex trader was attacked, gunmen stormed a service station along Siyephambili Drive in Kelvin West, getting away with US$1 000 and R7 000.

In that case, three masked suspects armed with rifles and a pistol ambushed fuel attendants, firing a warning shot before forcing them into the cash office. The robbers seized all available cash and fled the scene.

“We have witnessed an upsurge in armed robberies at fuel service stations. We urge operators to improve security measures, deposit daily earnings promptly, and minimise cash held on-site,” said Asst Insp Msebele.

The escalating crime wave has prompted some fuel stations to revise their operating hours, shutting down at night to protect workers and customers. In recent months, a gang raided a Kelvin Industrial Area service station, escaping with US$2 374 and R115 235.