Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza and Peter Matika, Chronicle Reporters
FEAR continues to grip residents of Emakhandeni suburb after three people were brutally attacked on Wednesday night by a suspected machete gang. Bulawayo police have urged residents to remain calm as investigations into the latest wave of violent crimes are underway.
The savage attacks come just as residents had begun to feel safer following a recent police crackdown that led to the arrest of several suspected gang members linked to violent incidents in suburbs including Emakhandeni, Queens Park, Hillside, Richmond, and Sauerstown.
Wednesday night’s attacks left three individuals injured in separate incidents.
Emakhandeni Residents’ Association chairperson, Mr Eugene Mthunzi, expressed the community’s renewed panic.
“We thought the machete gang attacks had stopped after several arrests last month. Out of the blue, three residents were attacked and injured by robbers carrying machetes. The gang didn’t hesitate to harm people who were simply walking home from work. It’s very sad that people can be attacked while going about their daily lives,” said Mr Mthunzi.
Responding to the renewed concerns, Bulawayo police have moved to allay fears of a resurgence in machete gang activity, stating that the recent incidents are being treated as armed robberies. Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed that detectives are actively investigating the cases.
“On 28 May 2025, at around 6PM, a 52-year-old male from Emakhandeni was walking home from Tsholotsho Rank along Masiyephambili Road when he encountered two unknown suspects near Makhosi Ground. One of them pretended to pass by, then suddenly struck the complainant on the head from behind with a machete. The other suspect searched him and stole a Huawei Y9 phone, US$20, and a black wallet containing identity cards. The total value stolen was US$120,” said Inspector Msebele.
She said the second attack occurred around 7PM, when the same assailants targeted a 40-year-old man along a footpath behind Apollo Shops.
“They attempted to strike him on the head, but he blocked the machete and sustained injuries to both hands. He managed to escape, though they took his wallet containing US$70, a national ID, a hoodie, black sneakers, and a Huawei P8 Lite. The total value stolen was US$200,” she said.
The suspects then attacked a third victim at the same location.
“They struck him three times on the head, causing deep cuts, and hit him once on the forehead with a hammer. After he fell, they stole his Samsung J4 Core, US$100, a yellow satchel containing three pairs of trousers, white track bottoms, and Adidas shoes — all valued at US$250,” said Inspector Msebele.
The victims managed to reach Apollo Shopping Centre, where an ambulance was called and transported them to Mpilo Hospital for treatment.
“The total value stolen is US$570, and nothing has been recovered. We urge members of the public to avoid using secluded paths, especially at night. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects is encouraged to come forward,” she added.
Local Ward Councillor Suzan Sithole confirmed that the attacks occurred between 6:30PM and 8PM.
One of the victims was attacked in an open space near the Emakhandeni tennis court while walking home. Residents rushed to the scene after hearing his screams, and his family took him to hospital. An ambulance had to ferry both victims to hospital at the same time. These senseless attacks all occurred in the same section of Emakhandeni,” she stated.
Emakhandeni-Luveve Member of Parliament, Hon Discent Collins Bajila, also condemned the violence.
“This heinous act is not an isolated incident but a deeply concerning symptom of a disturbing surge in criminal activity plaguing our beloved Emakhandeni-Luveve Constituency. The confidence of these gangs is growing with each attack,” said Hon Bajila.
