Night of terror: armed robbers raid six houses in four hours

RESIDENTS in Manningdale and nearby Buena Vista suburbs in Bulawayo are living in fear following a spate of violent home raids in which a seven-member armed gang allegedly stormed multiple houses, assaulting occupants and stealing property worth about US$2 000 on one night.

The attacks, which police say are subjects of ongoing investigations, have worsened concern over a recent rise in violent residential robberies targeting quiet suburban neighbourhoods across the city.

In several similar incidents reported in recent months, criminals have been operating in groups, often armed and targeting homes during late-night hours when residents are most vulnerable. In the latest case, the gang is said to have struck six homes in Manningdale between midnight and 4AM on April 14, in a co-ordinated four-hour crime spree that left victims traumatised and injured.
Bulawayo Provincial deputy police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu, confirmed the incidents.

“On 14 April, between midnight and 4AM, seven accused persons were behind six robbery cases committed in Manningdale area. They used similar means to forcibly open locked doors to gain entry and demanded cash and cell phones from the victims,” she said.
Ass Insp Ndlovu said the suspects used extreme violence during the raids.

“The armed robbers used an assortment of weapons ranging from machetes, axes, hammers, shovels, knobkerries and a pick to terrorise their victims and also wore black jackets and balaclavas to conceal their identities,” she said.

Ass Insp Ndlovu said they have since launched investigations, although no arrests have been made so far. She urged residents to reinforce home security and continue to be vigilant. “Police urge community members to tighten security by installing burglar bars on doors and windows that can withstand attempts to breach home security systems. We also appeal to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the accused persons to report at any nearest police station,” she said. In interviews, victims described harrowing encounters that have left lasting trauma. A university lecturer said he and his wife were ambushed in their bedroom.

“They asked my wife and I where we kept our safe and I handed over a small box where we keep small change. They grabbed the box before ransacking the house and taking clothes and cell phones,” he said.
“One of them discovered that there was no money in the box and that’s when they got violent. My wife and I suffered broken fingers while trying to block blows from a knobkerrie that we were being struck with.”
He said the attackers also stole clothes, cash, bank cards and identity documents.

In another home, residents were forced to relocate after the attack.
“They left a few days after the thieves broke into their house and beat up the parents,” said a neighbour.

In neighbouring Buena Vista, residents say the fear has become part of daily life, with some enduring sleepless nights and constant anxiety.
A message circulating in a community WhatsApp group captured the mood in the suburb.

“I would like to thank the brave residents who came out in the middle of the night to assist one of us who was stabbed by these criminals. We are under siege here in Buena Vista. Every night we have to battle these criminals, but let us not give up hope. No one but ourselves has the responsibility to keep our suburb safe,” read the message.
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