News / Local
Gold dealers assault, rob money changers
12 Apr 2013 at 03:47hrs | Views
THREE illegal money changers popularly known as osiphatheleni were allegedly assaulted and robbed of about R75 000 by suspected gold dealers at a Bulawayo hotel.
The women, who usually conduct their business along Herbert Chitepo Street, had allegedly agreed to exchange R75 000 for $7 200 from the gold dealers at Manor Hotel on Monday.
They were taken by surprise when the gold dealers allegedly tied their hands and gagged them and went on to physically attack them. They then fled with the money.
The medical condition of the women could not be established.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, other osiphatheleni familiar with the incident said one of the gold dealers wanted to use the rands to buy gold.
"The woman was sitting at her usual spot by the pharmacy when a tall, dark, dreadlocked man approached her wanting to exchange United States dollars for rands. The man who claimed to be a gold dealer said he wanted to use the rands to buy gold," said one usiphatheleni.
Another usiphatheleni said the suspect and one of the assaulted women agreed to meet at a private place to exchange the money at 1pm.
"The gold dealer, who was carrying a black portfolio, was wearing a long sleeved green shirt and grey trousers. He arranged to meet the woman at a private place and suggested Manor Hotel. About 30 minutes later the man came to give the woman a room number where they would meet.
"The woman joined forces with two of her friends operating from 3rd Avenue because she did not have enough money for the transaction. She went to the hotel with her friends to meet the man as planned," she said.
Another forex dealer operating along 3rd Avenue said the women were ambushed by the gold dealers after getting to the room at the hotel.
"The trio was not aware of the fact that there were two more guys that were hiding in the toilet.
"After the women exchanged money with the men, two other men stormed out of the toilet and tied their hands and gagged them. They severely beat them, took the money and left," she said.
A worker from Manor Hotel who declined to be named also confirmed the incident.
"Three men came here and booked in one of the rooms. Moments later, three osiphatheleni got in but I am not sure as to which room they went to.
"About 45 minutes later, the same women came out running. One of my colleagues reported the matter to the police," said the worker.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said the suspects were still on the run.
He, however, could not comment further on the case, saying investigations were in progress.
"We are handling a case where three women aged 33, 38 and 31, were assaulted and robbed on Monday.
"We are appealing for information that will assist in the investigation of this case.
"Anyone who might have information leading to the whereabouts of the suspects can report at their nearest police station," said Insp Moyo.
The women, who usually conduct their business along Herbert Chitepo Street, had allegedly agreed to exchange R75 000 for $7 200 from the gold dealers at Manor Hotel on Monday.
They were taken by surprise when the gold dealers allegedly tied their hands and gagged them and went on to physically attack them. They then fled with the money.
The medical condition of the women could not be established.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, other osiphatheleni familiar with the incident said one of the gold dealers wanted to use the rands to buy gold.
"The woman was sitting at her usual spot by the pharmacy when a tall, dark, dreadlocked man approached her wanting to exchange United States dollars for rands. The man who claimed to be a gold dealer said he wanted to use the rands to buy gold," said one usiphatheleni.
Another usiphatheleni said the suspect and one of the assaulted women agreed to meet at a private place to exchange the money at 1pm.
"The gold dealer, who was carrying a black portfolio, was wearing a long sleeved green shirt and grey trousers. He arranged to meet the woman at a private place and suggested Manor Hotel. About 30 minutes later the man came to give the woman a room number where they would meet.
"The woman joined forces with two of her friends operating from 3rd Avenue because she did not have enough money for the transaction. She went to the hotel with her friends to meet the man as planned," she said.
Another forex dealer operating along 3rd Avenue said the women were ambushed by the gold dealers after getting to the room at the hotel.
"After the women exchanged money with the men, two other men stormed out of the toilet and tied their hands and gagged them. They severely beat them, took the money and left," she said.
A worker from Manor Hotel who declined to be named also confirmed the incident.
"Three men came here and booked in one of the rooms. Moments later, three osiphatheleni got in but I am not sure as to which room they went to.
"About 45 minutes later, the same women came out running. One of my colleagues reported the matter to the police," said the worker.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said the suspects were still on the run.
He, however, could not comment further on the case, saying investigations were in progress.
"We are handling a case where three women aged 33, 38 and 31, were assaulted and robbed on Monday.
"We are appealing for information that will assist in the investigation of this case.
"Anyone who might have information leading to the whereabouts of the suspects can report at their nearest police station," said Insp Moyo.
Source - TC
