Danisa Masuku
A LOVENDALE family was plunged into a nightmare when 10 machete- and axe-wielding robbers stormed their home in the dead of night, savagely assaulted a father in front of his children and escaped with cash and valuables.
Edious Gwindingwi, 36, of Lovendale, Umguza, was sleeping alongside his 35-year-old wife when the gang allegedly forced open a French door and burst into their home at around 11.30PM on 26 October.
The intruders reportedly made a beeline for the main bedroom, where they descended on Gwindingwi, raining blows on him with their fists while demanding cash.
In the terrifying assault, one of the suspects allegedly struck him once on the head with a machete, leaving him with a cut on his forehead.
The gang then ransacked the house before making off with his wallet containing US$1 500 and R500, a Redmi 13C cellphone and a Hisense cellphone.
The total value of the stolen property was estimated at US$1 680 and R500. Only US$100 was recovered.
The suspects reportedly fled through the main entrance, leaving the family traumatised. A police report was subsequently made.
A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the family was still struggling to come to terms with the horrifying ordeal.
“We are traumatised. Edious is a humble and hardworking man who does not deserve this. He was sleeping peacefully with his wife when those criminals attacked him like an animal. We thank God he is alive because that cut on the head could have killed him,” said the family member.
The relative said the family was desperate for the suspects to be brought to book, fearing that other households could fall victim to similar attacks.
“As a family we are appealing for justice. That money was his hard-earned savings and now it is gone. We hope police will arrest these robbers quickly before they attack other families,” he added.
Bulawayo Police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the armed robbery and said investigations were underway.
“We confirm an armed robbery in Lovendale where Edious Gwindingwi was attacked and robbed by ten suspects. Investigations are underway and we appeal for information leading to their arrest,” she said.
