Trio hijacked at gunpoint in Bradfield, lose car, valuables

THREE men were subjected to a terrifying ordeal after they were hijacked and robbed at gunpoint by four assailants at a popular fast-food outlet in Bradfield suburb, Bulawayo.

The incident occurred on Monday at around 9.30PM at Bradfield, where the victims were ambushed moments after parking their vehicle.

Police said the four suspects approached the trio with speed and precision, producing pistols and ordering them to surrender their belongings.

In the ensuing chaos, one of the victims was stabbed in the hand as the assailants forced compliance before escaping with the victims’ vehicle and valuables.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying police are investigating a case of armed robbery and vehicle hijacking.

“We are investigating a case of armed robbery and vehicle hijacking, which occurred at Bradfield in Bulawayo on Monday night at around 9.30 PM,” he said.

“Four unknown suspects, who were armed with a firearm, attacked two foreign nationals and a local male adult.”
Comm Nyathi said that during the commission of the offence, one of the victims sustained an injury on the hand after he was stabbed by the suspects.

He said the assailants fled the scene in a Toyota GD6 belonging to the victims, leaving them traumatised and injured.

“The injured victim was later assisted by members of the public before receiving medical attention,” said Comm Nyathi.

He said the suspects made off with a wide range of valuables.

“Property stolen includes a Toyota GD6 motor vehicle, cellphones, Starlink internet equipment, binoculars, cash, jewellery and camping equipment,” he said.

Comm Nyathi said the inclusion of high-value items such as Starlink equipment and camping gear has raised concerns that the suspects may have had prior knowledge of the victims’ movements or targeted the vehicle after observing its contents.

He said investigations are underway to identify and locate the suspects, with detectives analysing CCTV footage from the outlet and surrounding businesses, as well as tracking possible escape routes used by the assailants.

Comm Nyathi appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information that could assist in the arrest of the suspects to come forward.

“We urge anyone with information that may assist investigations, including sightings of the stolen Toyota GD6 or suspicious movements around the Bradfield area on Monday night, to report to the nearest police station,” he said.

Comm Nyathi added that police patrols had been intensified in and around the area as part of ongoing efforts to curb violent crime and reassure the public.

“We encourage businesses operating late into the night to ensure that security measures, including adequate lighting and functional surveillance cameras, are in place to deter criminal activity and assist investigations,” he said.

“We want to assure the public that police are pursuing the suspects and that all necessary resources have been deployed to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

The incident comes against the backdrop of rising concerns over armed robberies and car hijackings in parts of Bulawayo, particularly during the festive season when criminals take advantage of increased movement at night.

Police have repeatedly warned motorists to remain vigilant, avoid displaying valuables and limit time spent stationary in public places after dark.

Residents of Bradfield and surrounding suburbs expressed shock and concern over the boldness of criminals.

“This is very frightening because people think they are safe in public spaces. It shows that criminals are no longer afraid of being seen,” said a resident