Danisa Masuku
A 22-year-old Nkulumane shopkeeper was held hostage by four armed robbers who raided his grocery shop while he was asleep, getting away with US$780, R5 000 and a cellphone.
The incident occurred on Monday at around 3PM in Nkulumane, Bulawayo.
The shopkeeper, who also doubles as a security guard, was sleeping inside the shop when a loud bang at the back door jolted him awake.
When he went to investigate, he found four unidentified men who had forced open the rear burglar bar. The gang was armed with a bolt cutter, slasher, small digger and a metal bar.
One of the suspects grabbed him by the collar and threatened to hack him with an axe if he did not comply.
The robbers ransacked the shop and took US$700 and R5 000 from the cash box. They also searched the shopkeeper and stole his Huawei P20 Lite cellphone before fleeing through the back door.
The total value of the stolen property was US$780 and R5 000. Nothing was recovered and a police report was filed.
A source close to investigations said the suspects appeared familiar with breaking into shops.
“This was a well-planned break-in. They came prepared with tools to force open the burglar bar and they knew exactly where to find the cash box. We are pursuing leads and we believe they will be arrested soon,” said the source.
Bulawayo Police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the robbery and urged business owners to strengthen security at their premises.
“We confirm a robbery case in Nkulumane where a shopkeeper was robbed of US$780 and R 5000 and a cellphone by four suspects. We are investigating and we appeal to anyone with information to contact the police.
“We also urge shop owners to avoid sleeping inside shops with large amounts of cash and to improve security,” said Inspector Msebele.
