Bulawayo police warn of potential crime spike during festive season

As the festive season approaches, Bulawayo police have issued a warning of a potential spike in criminal activity, citing a concerning rise in armed robberies over the past month compared to the same period last year.

During a business luncheon organized by Peace Security in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube highlighted the alarming statistics for October 2024, pointing to a dramatic increase in armed robberies and other violent crimes.

Sharp Increase in Armed Robberies

"Last year in October, we had only two armed robbery cases, and this year, we've received 13 cases in just one month," Ncube revealed, emphasizing the significance of the rise in violent crime. He further clarified that armed robbery cases involve the use of firearms, distinguishing them from robberies involving weapons such as machetes, knives, or knobkerries, which do not meet the definition of armed robbery.

According to Ncube, more than 10 armed robbery cases in October targeted service stations, a worrying trend for businesses in the region. In addition to this surge, the police recorded 80 robberies involving machetes—a sharp increase from 56 such cases last year.

Notable Bank Heist in Broad Daylight

One of the most brazen crimes to occur in October was the robbery at Bulawayo's Ecobank branch, where thieves armed with AK-47 assault rifles stole US$4 million, marking the largest heist in the country's history. The robbery, which took place in broad daylight, was captured on camera and involved men overpowering security guards and subduing them with the rifles.

The criminals managed to make off with the cash after attacking a Safeguard van that had just picked up the money from the Ecobank branch located at the corner of Fife Street and 9th Avenue.

Rise in Other Crimes

Ncube also shared the latest crime statistics, revealing an uptick in various other criminal activities. "In October 2023, we had 242 assault cases, but this year that number rose to 287, meaning there has been an increase in violent altercations," he said. He also noted a slight decrease in adult rape cases, from 14 in October 2023 to 13 this year. However, there was a troubling increase in juvenile rape cases, with 14 recorded in October 2024 compared to 12 last year, and some of the victims were as young as four years old.

Heightened Vigilance Needed

Ncube's remarks underline the growing need for heightened vigilance as the festive season approaches, traditionally a time of increased criminal activity. Police are urging businesses, residents, and local communities to remain alert and take additional precautions, particularly with the rise in violent crimes.

The police spokesperson called for greater collaboration between the public and law enforcement agencies to curb the escalating crime rate, emphasizing that addressing these issues requires collective effort and more robust crime prevention strategies.

With the festive season in full swing, authorities are bracing for further challenges in the fight against crime, urging citizens to report suspicious activities and to work closely with police to ensure a safer community.