News / Local
Machete gang suspected in violent attacks on Emakhandeni residents
19 hrs ago | Views
Three residents of Emakhandeni suburb were left seriously injured after being attacked by suspected machete-wielding gangs in separate incidents on Wednesday night, sparking fear and outrage in the community.
The violent assaults occurred between 6:30pm and 8:00pm in different locations within the same section of the suburb, according to Ward 11 Councillor Suzan Sithole.
All three victims sustained severe injuries and were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital for urgent medical attention.
"One of the victims was attacked in an open space near the Emakhandeni tennis court while walking home," said Cllr Sithole.
"Residents heard his screams and rushed to the scene before his family took him to the hospital."
The other two victims were reportedly ambushed near the local shops. One was found with deep machete wounds to the head, arms, and legs.
"An ambulance had to ferry both residents to the hospital at the same time," added Sithole.
"The senseless attacks all took place in the same general area of Emakhandeni."
The incidents have sparked renewed fears of machete gangs, often referred to locally as "maShurugwi", who have been linked to violent robberies across the country.
In a widely circulated WhatsApp voice note, a resident described the attack on one of the victims, a middle-aged man, who was reportedly robbed of less than US$10, his shoes, and cellphone.
"The machete gang is back," the resident said.
"We urge everyone to avoid walking alone at night. A resident has just been attacked near Maunga Shops and is bleeding profusely from the head and arms."
The community has called for increased police patrols and swift action to restore safety in the suburb. However, Bulawayo police have not yet issued an official statement confirming the attacks.
Residents fear the resurgence of machete-related violence and are appealing to law enforcement authorities to act swiftly to curb further incidents.
The violent assaults occurred between 6:30pm and 8:00pm in different locations within the same section of the suburb, according to Ward 11 Councillor Suzan Sithole.
All three victims sustained severe injuries and were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital for urgent medical attention.
"One of the victims was attacked in an open space near the Emakhandeni tennis court while walking home," said Cllr Sithole.
"Residents heard his screams and rushed to the scene before his family took him to the hospital."
The other two victims were reportedly ambushed near the local shops. One was found with deep machete wounds to the head, arms, and legs.
"The senseless attacks all took place in the same general area of Emakhandeni."
The incidents have sparked renewed fears of machete gangs, often referred to locally as "maShurugwi", who have been linked to violent robberies across the country.
In a widely circulated WhatsApp voice note, a resident described the attack on one of the victims, a middle-aged man, who was reportedly robbed of less than US$10, his shoes, and cellphone.
"The machete gang is back," the resident said.
"We urge everyone to avoid walking alone at night. A resident has just been attacked near Maunga Shops and is bleeding profusely from the head and arms."
The community has called for increased police patrols and swift action to restore safety in the suburb. However, Bulawayo police have not yet issued an official statement confirming the attacks.
Residents fear the resurgence of machete-related violence and are appealing to law enforcement authorities to act swiftly to curb further incidents.
Source - The Chronicle
