Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Reporter
Two gun-wielding men robbed a Diba Money Agent shop in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province, making off with an undisclosed amount in thousands of South African Rands.
The incident, which has left the rural shopping center and villagers in shock, occurred early Tuesday morning at around 8 a.m.
One businessperson at the shopping center, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the robbers struck soon after the shop opened.
“They were wearing balaclavas and matching jackets. A shopkeeper in my shop said they entered several shops and greeted shopkeepers. They pretended to be coming to collect money and mentioned an amount that could have reached over ZAR10,000.
“They told the shopkeeper some fake names, but did not have them on record for people who were set to collect money. One of them produced a gun and gave strict instructions to the lady shopkeeper not to raise alarm. They walked to the homestead about three kilometers away and met some people on the way but the girl was afraid to raise alarm,” said the source.
When they reached the homestead, they confronted the couple who own the shop, searched for money, locked them in a room, and took their phones before disappearing.
A Honda Fit, which services Plumtree town, is suspected to have been used as a getaway car.
Police reportedly visited the scene and took statements.
The robbery follows another incident at shops in Nguwanyana Shopping Centre in Mangwe district, where a shop dealing in cash was also targeted.
That shop was reportedly hit by two tall men wearing balaclavas as it opened in the morning.
Police have yet to comment on the two cases.
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