Knife-wielding robbers raid Entumbane bars

Barely a day after two sports bars in Entumbane were targeted, Gibixhegu Beerhall, popularly known as koHerbert, became the latest victim of a daring early-morning robbery. Three men armed with knives reportedly struck at around 3 a.m., making off with beer and other items valued at approximately US$140.

Police said the trio jumped over the durawall into the beer garden yard and immediately threatened the security guard. "The accused persons tied the hands and legs of the security guard with wire. They then broke a burglar bar door padlock with an unknown object before forcing open the locked door to gain entry into the bar," acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu explained.

The thieves fled with seven bottles of Two Keys Whiskey, nine bottles of Gilbert Gin, three bottles of Viceroy, a bottle of Gordon's Whiskey, 20 Star Beers, and an Itel cellphone. Investigations are ongoing, and police have urged members of the public with information to report to the nearest station.

Proprietor Herbert Ndebele expressed shock at how the robbers managed to breach what was considered the most secure door on the premises. "When I came in here, security from both the city council and later a private security company said this door was the most secure point. I was advised to reinforce the other points," Ndebele said.

He added that the quick response from a private security company's reaction squad prevented the theft from escalating. "When they broke in, the alarm system went off and alerted the reaction squad. Had it not been for that, they could have taken a lot more," he said.