Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
TWO armed robbers wearing balaclavas stormed an EcoCash booth in Emganwini, Bulawayo, and escaped with US$2 587 in cash and airtime recharge cards.
The dramatic robbery occurred at around 7.45am on July 13, leaving workers shaken after the suspects held them at gunpoint before making a swift getaway.
Confirming the incident, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the complainant (21), who works as a cashier at an EcoCash booth housed inside a butchery, had just reported for duty when she unknowingly walked into the robbery.
“The complainant reported for duty and found the butchery already opened. Upon entering, she found one of the accused persons wearing a balaclava pointing a firearm at the butcher attendant and ordering her not to move,” said Insp Msebele.
She said moments later, a second suspect, who was also wearing a balaclava, entered the butchery and shut the door before confronting the cashier.
“The second accused person approached the complainant and forcibly took her handbag before taking airtime recharge cards valued at US$587 and cash amounting to US$2 000. The accused persons went away after committing the offence,” she said.
Inspector Msebele said the robbers vanished with property worth US$2 587, adding that nothing had been recovered.
Following the robbery, police have urged business owners, particularly those handling cash, to tighten security measures to reduce the risk of becoming targets of armed criminals.
“We urge business owners, especially those handling cash, to strengthen security by banking money regularly, installing CCTV cameras and alarms, and avoiding opening or closing premises alone.
During a robbery, do not resist, prioritise your safety and provide police with any information that may help identify the offenders. Together, we can prevent crime and keep our communities safe,” said Insp Msebele.
Police investigations into the robbery are continuing.
