Online Reporter
Patience Ndlovu, Online Reporter
Bulawayo police are investigating two armed robberies that happened on Sunday where one victim lost US$6 while another was robbed of US$6,000.
In Emthunzini, a 54-year-old woman was woken at around 4 AM by the sound of her main door being forcefully opened. Three men armed with a pistol and an axe entered her home, pointed a pistol at her, and demanded cash. They ransacked her bedroom and fled with just US$6 that was hidden in her wardrobe.
Later that evening, at around 8:10 PM in Pumula South, a 34-year-old man arriving home in his Honda Fit was confronted by three armed men. They ordered him to lie on the ground and demanded cash and his Samsung cellphone. The man surrendered US$6,000 before the robbers ransacked his home and drove away in his vehicle.
Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu, acting Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, urged residents to strengthen home security and be cautious with cash.
“As police, we urge the community to use target-hardening techniques in their homes, such as installing burglar bars and security screen doors,” she said.
“We also urge members of the public to avoid carrying large sums of money, especially at night, but to bank their cash instead. We appeal to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the accused persons and the recovery of the motor vehicle to come forward or report to the nearest police station,” she added.
“Communities should remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activity in their neighbourhoods. It is only through collective cooperation with the police that we can curb crime and ensure the safety of everyone in Bulawayo. People must protect their homes and property by taking simple steps like keeping doors locked, using security lights, and ensuring valuables are stored safely. Criminals often take advantage of easy targets, so a little precaution can prevent serious losses,” she said.
