News / National
Spike in armed robberies hits Bulawayo transport operators
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A worrying surge in armed robberies targeting transport operators, including pirate taxis, has gripped Bulawayo, with police issuing a stern warning to drivers to exercise caution - especially when picking up passengers late at night or in isolated areas.
Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the increase in attacks, revealing that criminals are using firearms and, in some cases, attempting sexual assaults during their ambushes.
In one particularly harrowing incident, two unidentified men armed with a pistol ambushed occupants of a silver Honda travelling along Intemba Road from Pumula East to Nkulumane. The suspects attempted to sexually assault a female passenger but were overpowered and fled the scene.
In another incident on June 14, a 30-year-old man from Nketa 9 fell victim to a coordinated robbery while operating his Honda Fit as a pirate taxi.
According to police, the victim picked up three unidentified male passengers who later turned violent. The men robbed him of valuables before escaping into a GD-6 twin cab with no number plates that had been trailing them throughout the trip. The stolen items were valued at approximately US$200.
"These cases are part of a disturbing trend we are currently monitoring," said Inspector Msebele. "We urge all transport operators, especially those running unregistered or private hire services, to be extra vigilant when dealing with unfamiliar passengers, particularly at night."
She advised operators to avoid stopping in poorly lit or deserted areas and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
The spike in transport-related robberies comes as Bulawayo continues to grapple with growing urban crime, much of it targeting informal service providers and vulnerable commuters.
Police have since launched investigations into the incidents and are appealing to members of the public with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to come forward.
Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the increase in attacks, revealing that criminals are using firearms and, in some cases, attempting sexual assaults during their ambushes.
In one particularly harrowing incident, two unidentified men armed with a pistol ambushed occupants of a silver Honda travelling along Intemba Road from Pumula East to Nkulumane. The suspects attempted to sexually assault a female passenger but were overpowered and fled the scene.
In another incident on June 14, a 30-year-old man from Nketa 9 fell victim to a coordinated robbery while operating his Honda Fit as a pirate taxi.
According to police, the victim picked up three unidentified male passengers who later turned violent. The men robbed him of valuables before escaping into a GD-6 twin cab with no number plates that had been trailing them throughout the trip. The stolen items were valued at approximately US$200.
"These cases are part of a disturbing trend we are currently monitoring," said Inspector Msebele. "We urge all transport operators, especially those running unregistered or private hire services, to be extra vigilant when dealing with unfamiliar passengers, particularly at night."
She advised operators to avoid stopping in poorly lit or deserted areas and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
The spike in transport-related robberies comes as Bulawayo continues to grapple with growing urban crime, much of it targeting informal service providers and vulnerable commuters.
Police have since launched investigations into the incidents and are appealing to members of the public with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to come forward.
Source - Southern Eye
