Online Reporter
Lubelihle Moyo
TWO crafty women’s daring morning raid at Mpilo Central Hospital ended in handcuffs after they were caught red-handed trying to steal from a mother tending to her sick child.
The drama played out in the Paediatric Wing, where desperate parents sit for hours praying for their children’s recovery.
But on this day, the mood turned from worry to rage as Portia Moyo (32) of Makokoba and Marragod Gumede (41) of Pumula South allegedly turned the sacred hospital into their hunting ground.
According to witnesses, the pair walked in pretending to be patients or visitors. They had no child, no urgency and no apparent reason for being there.
“They first walked around, scanning the area like vultures circling prey,” said a witness.
“They went out again, then came back and sat right next to the victim. This woman had put her bag down on the bench while caring for her sick child. That’s when they pounced.”
The duo allegedly used a slick trick to confuse the victim. One of them deliberately dropped both her own bag and the victim’s bag at the same time.
In the chaos of picking them up, she swiftly removed the victim’s cash and slipped it into her own pocket before casually walking out of the room.
But fate was not on their side. Another patient noticed the sleight of hand and raised the alarm. A heated confrontation erupted, and realising they were cornered, the suspects sheepishly returned the stolen money, hoping to dodge trouble.
It was too late. Furious staff and guardians demanded justice. A police report was immediately filed, and officers swooped in to arrest the pair before an angry mob could take matters into their own hands.
The incident left patients stunned and horrified.
“How can someone walk into a hospital, where people are already in pain and struggling, and decide to rob them? It’s heartless,” said one shaken witness.
Mpilo spokesperson Noma Mabhena, urged the public to remain vigilant and protect their belongings, especially in crowded areas like hospitals.
“Men and women should not trust anyone they see in hospital waiting areas,” she warned. “Bags and valuables must never be left unattended. These women came disguised as patients, but they were there with their own hidden agenda. What happened to that lady was truly unfortunate, especially at a time when her focus was on her sick child.”
Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu, condemned the crime and warned others tempted to follow the same path.
“We urge members of the public to desist from engaging in theft,” she said. “Such conduct is a criminal offence that undermines public safety. Offenders will face arrest and prosecution. Police remain committed to safeguarding lives and property, but the public must also play its part by reporting crime and rejecting unlawful activities.”
The two suspects are expected to appear in court soon to answer to theft charges.
