Mukuru armed robbery: Police release details, US$70k, ZAR500k stolen

POLICE have released details of how Wednesday morning’s armed robbery at a Mukuru branch in Bulawayo outlet unfolded, shedding light on the sequence of events that led to the theft of more than US$78 000 and R501 000.

The robbery, which occurred along Jason Moyo Street between 8th and 9th Avenue shortly after 7am, had initially been reported without specifics on how the suspects executed the crime.

In a statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said preliminary investigations show that the unknown number of suspects targeted a female employee as she arrived for work at around 7.08am.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the employee was approached while parking her vehicle at the premises.

“The suspects forcibly escorted her into the offices and ordered her to open the strong room and a Chubb safe,” he said.

Under threat, the employee complied, giving the suspects access to the safe, from which they took cash amounting to US$78 141 and R501 820.

Commissioner Nyathi said the suspects also removed a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), which stores surveillance footage, and a panic button before escaping through the back door.

No arrests have been made so far and investigations are continuing.

The ZRP has appealed to anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197, or report to any nearest police station.