Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
BULAWAYO residents have condemned the recent violent attacks by gangs armed with machetes in the city’s suburbs, which have left some individuals with serious injuries.
Over the past few weeks, reports of machete-wielding gangs terrorising unsuspecting individuals in the suburbs have become alarmingly common.
Victims have been left with serious injuries, and the chilling nature of these attacks has sent shockwaves throughout the city.
Community leaders are rallying together, demanding increased police presence and better security measures to combat the threat.
“We need to feel safe in our own homes. It’s time for the authorities to listen to our cries and act decisively to protect our families. It’s like something out of a nightmare. These attacks are inhuman. You never think it will happen to you until you hear about it in your own backyard. Law enforcement should beef up forces with residents to hold those responsible for the attacks accountable,” said Bulawayo United Residents Association (BURA) chairperson Mr Winos Dube.
He urged police to increase patrols and presence in neighbourhoods, as a measure to waylay would-be robbers.
“We also encourage residents to be vigilant in all we do and desist from using secluded and bushy foot paths. As communities, we need to be proactive as well and develop and support initiatives such as neighbourhood watch committees to keep our suburbs safe, both during the day and night,” said Mr Dube.
Some residents have taken to social media and community forums to express their fears and frustrations.
Many are sharing personal stories, recounting how they have had to change their daily routines to avoid becoming victims.
“I used to walk my kids to school, but now I have resolved to get them private transport because it is not safe for them and me. I can’t take any chances,” said a user on Facebook.
Meanwhile, four suspected robbers believed to be part of the same gang attacking residents of Queens Park, Sauerstown and Northend suburbs have appeared in court facing multiple robbery charges.
The accused — Hardlife Sibanda (28) of Sauerstown, Terrence Nqobile Ngwenya (24), Prince Ngulube (18), and Shelton Ncube (25) — are alleged to have terrorised residents with machetes and axes to carry out their crimes.
The accused appeared before regional magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza last Thursday. They were charged with robbery.
Prosecutor Miss Siphiwe Mhlanga told the court that the suspects committed the offences on various occasions.
She said the suspects ambushed their victims in broad daylight, brandishing machetes and threatening their lives before robbing them of their valuables.
The accused were remanded in custody until May 22.
