Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporters
A LODGE owner in Famona suburb lost US$8 000 and a vehicle to armed robbers who masqueraded as clients intending to sleep overnight before they pounced on her and demanded cash.
During the robbery, the two armed assailants allegedly switched on an iron and threatened to burn one of the children and shoot the other in front of the businesswoman.
“On Monday, a female lodge owner aged 39 of Famona was at home when she received a WhatsApp call from one of the suspects who indicated that he was looking for accommodation to sleep overnight since she operated a Bed and Breakfast (BnB). The suspect asked for the location of the lodge and an hour later he arrived with an accomplice.
“Once inside they pulled out pistols and threatened to shoot her, demanded cash and she handed over US$400,” said Bulawayo police deputy spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu.
During the robbery, the complainant’s uncle arrived and when he got off his vehicle, the armed robbers also demanded cash from him.
“He surrendered his wallet with US$180 and car keys to a Toyota Hiace vehicle. The armed robbers went on to switch on an iron and threatened to burn one of the children and shoot the other in front of their mother. She went to her bedroom and surrendered US$7 680,” said Ass Insp Ndlovu.
The assailants drove away in the stolen vehicle.
“We urge members of the public not to keep large sums of money at home but to bank it to avoid such incidents. We also appeal to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the accused person to come forward and report at any nearest police station,” she said.
One of the armed robbers is said to be slim built, tall and dark in complexion while the other one is medium in stature.
