Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
TWO armed robbers raided the home of Mr Austin Nyathi, the Matabeleland South Provincial Information Officer for the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, and stole his Government-allocated vehicle at gunpoint. The incident took place on Wednesday night at Mr Nyathi’s residence in Senondo suburb, Gwanda.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the robbery, stating that the suspects made off with a Toyota Hilux GD6 belonging to the ministry.
“I can confirm that we recorded an incident where a Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services vehicle was stolen from Gwanda on Wednesday night. The complainant, who is an employee of the ministry, arrived at his home and parked the vehicle,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
As Mr Nyathi entered his house, two unidentified men followed him and demanded the keys to the vehicle.
“He locked his vehicle and then went into his home. During the process, he was followed by an unidentified man who demanded keys to the vehicle. Another fired a shot in the air, causing the complainant to seek cover,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
The suspects managed to obtain the car keys and reportedly fled the scene at high speed in the Government vehicle. Police responded promptly and attended the scene, but no arrests have been made so far. Investigations are currently underway.
Commissioner Nyathi appealed to members of the public to assist with any information that could help locate the suspects and recover the stolen vehicle.
“We urge anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects or the recovery of the vehicle to contact their nearest police station,” he said.
This incident comes amid a concerning rise in armed robbery cases across the country. Police have warned that criminals are increasingly targeting individuals, institutions, and cash-handling entities, prompting heightened security awareness and calls for public vigilance.
derick.khumalo