Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A SIX-MEMBER gang armed with an axe, hammer and knife went away empty-handed after a swift security response foiled their attempt to rob a Cowdray Park supermarket in the early hours of Thursday.
The gang allegedly tied up a security guard before breaking into the supermarket, but their plans were scuppered when the shop’s alarm triggered a rapid-response team that raced to the scene.
The drama unfolded at about 1.45am on September 18 while the 42-year-old guard was on duty.
According to Zimbabwe Republic Police Bulawayo deputy spokesperson Assistant Inspector
Thandekile Ndlovu, the guard was sitting at a vending stall opposite the supermarket when the six suspects approached him.
The suspects allegedly grabbed him by the neck, tied his hands with shoelaces and threatened to kill him if he raised an alarm.
They allegedly searched him and took an air pistol before dragging him towards the supermarket entrance.
Ndlovu said the suspects then allegedly used a grinder to cut the padlock on the shop’s screen door before forcing their way inside.
Two of the suspects allegedly remained outside guarding the security guard while the other four entered the supermarket and proceeded to the manager’s office.
The four allegedly used the grinder in an attempt to break open a safe.
But their plans were interrupted when the supermarket’s alarm system was triggered, bringing a security rapid-response team to the scene.
“The security rapid response team arrived at the scene responding to the shop’s alarm system and found the accused persons still trying to open the safe,” said Ndlovu.
He said the security team fired three warning shots into the air.
One of the suspects allegedly responded by firing the stolen air pistol once before the gang fled westwards into a nearby bushy area.
Despite their elaborate preparations, the suspects allegedly escaped without taking anything from the supermarket.
Police said property worth US$30 was damaged during the incident.
Investigations into the attempted robbery are continuing.
