News / Regional
Robbers steal, burn down shop
12 Mar 2014 at 07:01hrs | Views
SUSPECTED robbers pounced on a grocery shop in Ntabazinduna, stole groceries and an empty till before setting the shop on fire in the early hours of yesterday.
Matabeleland North police confirmed the incident but could not be drawn into commenting further saying investigations were still in progress.
The owner of the shop, Gibson Moyo, said property and groceries worth more than $35,000 went up in smoke in the inferno around 4AM.
"Unknown people broke into my shop in Ntabazinduna and stole groceries and an empty till," said Moyo in a telephone interview.
"We suspect they took 20 litres of paraffin that was in the shop and sprinkled it on the wooden shelves and the ceiling before setting the building on fire."
Moyo said a female shop attendant woke up from a store room where she was sleeping after smelling smoke from the raging fire.
"She went to investigate and was shocked to see the shop engulfed in fire. She screamed and alerted neighbours who rushed to the scene," he said.
Moyo, whose shop was trading as P and G Investments, said police recruits from Ntabazinduna Depot were called and they tried in vain to put down the fire with sand.
"Everything was burnt including four refrigerators worth more than $5,000. I lost groceries worth more than $4,000 and the building, which was worth about $30,000," he said.
"We only recovered the empty till which was left in the bush. I think the robbers took it thinking there was money inside."
Area councillor Bekithemba Qongo confirmed the incident and said it was a big blow to the community.
"It is unfortunate that while some people are trying to empower themselves and develop the community, others are busy shattering their dreams," Qongo said.
"We have since reported the matter to the police and they are investigating the issue. I hope the culprits will be brought to book."
He appealed to well-wishers to assist Moyo in cash and in kind to rebuild his business.
"This incident is a huge drawback to the whole community. Moyo is an industrious man who was trying to develop the community by providing an essential service and empowering himself and his family.
"I would like to appeal to well-wishers to assist him in cash or in kind so that he can start over his business."
Matabeleland North police confirmed the incident but could not be drawn into commenting further saying investigations were still in progress.
The owner of the shop, Gibson Moyo, said property and groceries worth more than $35,000 went up in smoke in the inferno around 4AM.
"Unknown people broke into my shop in Ntabazinduna and stole groceries and an empty till," said Moyo in a telephone interview.
"We suspect they took 20 litres of paraffin that was in the shop and sprinkled it on the wooden shelves and the ceiling before setting the building on fire."
Moyo said a female shop attendant woke up from a store room where she was sleeping after smelling smoke from the raging fire.
"She went to investigate and was shocked to see the shop engulfed in fire. She screamed and alerted neighbours who rushed to the scene," he said.
Moyo, whose shop was trading as P and G Investments, said police recruits from Ntabazinduna Depot were called and they tried in vain to put down the fire with sand.
"We only recovered the empty till which was left in the bush. I think the robbers took it thinking there was money inside."
Area councillor Bekithemba Qongo confirmed the incident and said it was a big blow to the community.
"It is unfortunate that while some people are trying to empower themselves and develop the community, others are busy shattering their dreams," Qongo said.
"We have since reported the matter to the police and they are investigating the issue. I hope the culprits will be brought to book."
He appealed to well-wishers to assist Moyo in cash and in kind to rebuild his business.
"This incident is a huge drawback to the whole community. Moyo is an industrious man who was trying to develop the community by providing an essential service and empowering himself and his family.
"I would like to appeal to well-wishers to assist him in cash or in kind so that he can start over his business."
Source - chronicle
