Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A security guard stationed at Masina Beerhall in Luveve suburb, who spoke on condition of anonymity, has described a terrifying midnight raid in which a gang of six armed men allegedly attempted to break into the off-sales section of the beer garden.
The guard said the incident occurred around 2 to 3 am last Friday, when he was on duty and heard unusual activity outside his post.
“I was awake when I heard them trying to force open my door. When I went out to confront them, I asked what they wanted at that time of night,” he said.
Instead of responding, the men allegedly unleashed a barrage of insults before attempting to force entry using machetes and axes.
“There were six of them. They were banging and trying to break in using machetes and axes. When I realised the danger, I immediately called a police officer I know, who later alerted the station,” he added.
According to the guard, the suspects shifted their attention to another section of the premises, commonly known as the off-sales area, where they attempted another break-in.
However, their plan was disrupted after they heard that police had been alerted.
“I believe what stopped them was hearing that the police had been called. I managed to see three of them clearly, but by the time officers arrived, they had already fled,” he said.
The gang moved to Hleliwe Supermarket in Gwabalanda at Mudzimurema Shops, where they tried to break in again.
Given Ncube, who is a security guard at the shops, told B-Metro he was left in shock after seeing the suspects carrying machetes.
He was too shaken to give a full account when approached, describing the experience as traumatising.
A resident, identified only as Buju, who lives close to the scene, came out of his house after hearing thieves attempting to force their way through burglar bars. The suspects chased him away, throwing stones at him. They caught up with him and roughed him up before “throwing him into the yard at his home.” They smashed some window panes and left him for dead. He sustained head injuries.
In the chaos, one of the suspects tried to grind through steel doors to force entry into the shop, but was chased away as a crowd gathered and threw stones at the group.
Although no cash was taken from the tills, the gang allegedly stole money found inside a gambling machine, popularly known as mChina, before fleeing the scene.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incidents.
She said the suspects used a bolt cutter to cut through burglar bars before forcing entry into a supermarket in Gwabalanda.
The statement reads:
“On 17 April 2026 at around 0230 hours, six unknown accused persons used a bolt cutter to cut the main door burglar bars and gained entry into the shop. They then forced open cash slots of two China game slot machines and stole ZAR 2 300 in coins. They also took groceries worth US$150. The total value stolen is US$150 and ZAR 2 300, and nothing was recovered.”
Police have appealed to members of the public with information that may lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects to report to the nearest police station.
