Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
BULAWAYO residents woke up to terror after ruthless gunmen launched two armed robberies in a single day, targeting homes in Emthunzini and Pumula South.
In the first incident at around 4AM on 24 August, a 54-year-old woman in Emthunzini was jolted awake by the sound of her main door being smashed open. Within moments, three men armed with a pistol and an axe stormed into her bedroom.
“Accused persons pointed a pistol at the complainant and demanded cash. They then searched in the bedroom and took cash US$6 which was in the wardrobe and went away,” police said.
Later that evening, at around 8PM, a 34-year-old man in Pumula South drove home from the city centre, unaware that danger was lurking in the shadows. As he stepped out of his Honda Fit, three armed thugs pounced, guns drawn.
“They ordered him to lie on the ground. The accused persons demanded cash and his Samsung cell phone, the complainant surrendered cash amounting to US$6 000. They entered into the complainant’s house where they ransacked the house but could not find more money. The accused persons then got into the complainant’s motor vehicle and drove off,” police confirmed.
The daring gang left the suburb shaken, making off with thousands in cash, a cellphone and a motor vehicle.
Police have since issued a strong warning, urging residents to beef up security. “We urge the community to use target hardening techniques in their homes by putting burglar bars and security screen doors.
We also urge members of the public to avoid carrying large sums of money especially at night but to bank the money,” said acting Bulawayo spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information to come forward or report to the nearest police station.
derick.khumalo