Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A wave of armed robberies targeting EcoCash outlets in Bulawayo is raising fresh security concerns after another cash point was raided by gunmen, just days after a similar incident in which robbers escaped with thousands of dollars.
The latest incident occurred on July 16 at around 6.30pm at an EcoCash outlet in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, where three armed men wearing balaclavas stormed the shop, held workers hostage and escaped with US$8 653 and R1 000.
The robbery comes shortly after another armed attack on an EcoCash booth in Emganwini, where two masked suspects allegedly got away with US$2 587 in cash and airtime recharge cards, highlighting a worrying trend of criminals targeting businesses that handle large amounts of cash.
Confirming the Cowdray Park incident, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the robbery happened as the outlet supervisor was preparing to close for the day.
“On July 16, 2026 at around 6.30pm, the supervisor at an EcoCash outlet in Cowdray Park, a female adult aged 38 years from Cowdray Park, was taking EcoCash signs from the shop veranda intending to close the shop when three unknown male adults wearing balaclavas approached her,” said Insp Msebele.
She said the suspects allegedly forced their way into the shop and confronted two cashiers who were inside.
“The accused persons pushed her from the shop veranda into the shop, closed the shop door, produced an unidentified pistol and ordered the two cashiers who were in the shop to comply,” she said.
The robbers moved around the outlet, taking US$8 253 from three tills, before also taking R1 000 which had been placed on top of a box inside the shop.
They also stole three cellphones belonging to the workers.
After the raid, the suspects forced the supervisor and the two cashiers into the office, where they left them lying on the floor before fleeing.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the robbery.
“The total value stolen is US$8 653 and R1 000. Nothing was recovered,” she told B-Metro.
The latest robbery has renewed calls for businesses handling cash to strengthen security measures, especially during opening and closing hours when workers are often exposed.
Insp Msebele urged business owners to bank money regularly, install CCTV cameras and alarm systems, and avoid leaving one employee responsible for opening or closing premises alone.
She appealed to members of the public to report any information that could assist police in identifying and arresting the suspects.
derick.khumalo