NRZ guard shoots suspect

Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
A NATIONAL Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) security guard yesterday shot and injured one of seven suspected robbers who were trying to target the parastatal’s Mpopoma suburb’s sub-station. The suspect escaped but was arrested when he turned up at Mpilo Central Hospital seeking medical attention.

The security guard Washington Masasi, 38, is alleged to have fired three warning shots before shooting one of the suspects who was advancing towards him wielding an iron bar.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango said the injured suspected armed robber was arrested after he struggled to escape and ended up seeking help from members of public.

“He escaped but because of bleeding he was forced to ask for assistance from members of the public. They took him to Mpilo Central Hospital resulting in his arrest. He is admitted under police guard,” Insp Simango.

She said property worth over $1,000 which had been targeted by the suspects was recovered.

Insp Simango said police were still looking for other suspects who are on the run.

NRZ public relations manager Fanuel Masikati said the incident happened at about 3AM yesterday.

Masikati said the security guard was forced to shoot one of the suspects as they had intended to attack him.

“He fired three warning shoots but the suspects advanced towards him wielding iron bars. He then shot one of the suspects on the leg,” said Masikati.

He said the robbers wanted to steal some of the company’s equipment at the sub-station.

Masikati said NRZ premises were out of bounds for members of the public.

“The NRZ premises are prohibited to members of the public. We understand the suspects wanted to steal some iron bars at the premises,” said Masikati.

He bemoaned vandalism on NRZ infrastructure saying it was worsening the challenges the parastatal is facing.