Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
Groceries, cash vanish in daring break-in
Robbers pounced on a shop in Pumula East and made off with groceries and cash in a night-time raid that left the owner reeling in shock.
Gloria Shavi, co-owner of Praise General Dealer Shop, said she had locked up the store and gone home, only to return to a nightmare.
“I had locked all the doors and even checked. But I was shocked to find the door open and found out that grocery goods that include rice, Mazoe, and six packs of bar soap were stolen. When I checked in the cash box I also found out that US$475 and R610 had been stolen. I almost collapsed because it was not easy to raise money to buy the stock,” she said.
After the discovery, she immediately phoned her husband, Munyaradzi Makusha.
“When he arrived, he reported the incident to the police. Police came and took statements,” she added.
Bulawayo deputy police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu confirmed the break-in and appealed for information.
“I confirm that we are investigating a case of unlawful entry and theft that occurred at a shop in Pumula East suburb where the suspects got away with an assortment of grocery items,” she said.
She urged members of the public to come forward with any leads.
“Anyone with information that could lead to the whereabouts of the suspects may contact any nearest police station. You can give us a tip-off which you can drop at our various police stations dotted around the country,” said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
She also issued a stern warning to the business community.
“Companies must invest in security systems and install CCTV and have their premises guarded by security guards. We would like to discourage companies from keeping large sums of money at their business premises.”
According to police, Pumula East and South suburbs have become hotspots for break-ins.
“For the past week, we received five cases of unlawful entry and theft,” said a police source.
