Dreadlocked gunmen rob sales rep

Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
THREE dreadlocked gun-wielding men pounced on a Bulawayo man as he was walking from Entumbane suburb to Emakhandeni suburb and robbed him of more than $200, a cellphone, a wristwatch and work documents.

Tonderai Nyahwema (37) of Pumula, who works as a sales representative, was attacked last Tuesday at around 4PM as he was walking on a path along a stream which is between Entumbane and Emakhandeni.

The money Nyahwema lost to the armed robbers belonged to his employer.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango confirmed the incident.

“We received a case of armed robbery which happened between Nhlalo shops in Entumbane and Emakhandeni where a man aged 37 was robbed of his cellphone, a smart watch, work documents and cash valued at $200. He was approached by three unknown men who appeared from the bush, produced a pistol and robbed him. Investigations are in progress,” she said.

A source said on the day in question, Nyahwema reported for duty and started collecting cash from different shops.

“He collected cash from four outlets within the western suburbs and in town before going to Nhlalo Shops in Entumbane. Nyahwema left Nhlalo shops and headed to another shop in Emakhandeni where he wanted to collect more cash. Apparently, he decided to use a short cut which is a bush foot path along a stream between Entumbane and Emakhandeni,” said the source.

“While he was in the middle of the bush, two men emerged on his right and one from his left. One of them grabbed him by the neck while the other one demanded that he surrenders all his belongings. The other one produced a black pistol from his waist and pointed it at Nyahwema’s forehead.”

Fearing for his life, the source said, Nyahwema surrendered $212 and company documents as well as his cellphone and a Samsung wrist watch.

“After taking the property, two of the suspects disappeared into the bush and the one with the gun remained behind still pointing the firearm at his forehead.

“After some seconds, the suspect released him, telling him to return where he had come from and threatened to shoot him if he turns back.

“He ran back to nearby houses where he alerted residents about what had happened and proceeded to Entumbane Police Station where he made a report,’ said the source.

@winnie_masara