Armed robbers hit Bulawayo homes in coordinated spree

Bulawayo has been hit by a wave of armed robberies after at least five incidents were recorded within a matter of days, with four of the attacks taking place in the early hours of the same night in Luveve and Old Luveve suburbs.

Bulawayo Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the incidents and said investigations were under way into cases involving heavily armed suspects who targeted both business premises and private homes.

"The police are investigating five armed robbery cases which occurred in Bulawayo on different occasions, with a disturbing pattern of violence and the use of dangerous weapons," Insp Msebele said.

The first incident was reported on December 17 at around 7pm at Hillside Shopping Centre. Two security guards, aged 37 and 60, who were on cash-in-transit duty, were attacked shortly after parking their vehicle.

"They were approached by four male suspects, one armed with a pistol and a log, all wearing face masks. The suspects fired shots at the complainant's vehicle, prompting him to fire back," Insp Msebele said.

The suspects fled the scene in a getaway vehicle following the exchange of gunfire. No injuries were reported.

Police said the situation escalated further on December 20, when a series of armed robberies were carried out within a one-hour period in Old Luveve and Luveve 5, raising fears of a coordinated crime spree.

At around 2am, three armed men wearing balaclavas forced entry into a house in Old Luveve. Armed with a machete, iron rods and a suspected pistol, the suspects confronted a 42-year-old man, his wife and child, demanding cash.

"The complainant surrendered US$24, after which the suspects ransacked the house and stole two cellphones valued at US$420," Insp Msebele said.

Approximately 15 minutes later, another household in the same suburb was targeted. A 47-year-old man was threatened with death as the suspects forced open his door and demanded money, before making off with US$420 and R500.

The attacks continued at around 2.45am, when a 21-year-old man was robbed of US$200 belonging to his mother. The suspects then struck again at about 3am in Luveve 5.

In the final incident, a 50-year-old man was threatened at gunpoint and robbed of cash amounting to more than US$10 000, which had been kept in a wallet, jacket and wardrobe.

Insp Msebele said the clustering of the robberies within a short period was particularly concerning.

"The use of pistols, machetes and iron rods, and the fact that several houses were targeted on the same night, shows the seriousness of these offences," she said.

Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and enhance their home security measures.

"We urge members of the public to tighten their home security by securing doors and windows with strong locks and installing burglar bars. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects should report at the nearest police station," Insp Msebele said.

No arrests had been made at the time of issuing the statement.