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Man axed in US$830 midnight robbery
2 hrs ago |
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Police in Bulawayo are investigating a violent case of unlawful entry and robbery after a 64-year-old Killarney resident was attacked by a gang of five unidentified men who broke into his home late at night.
The incident occurred on April 23 at around 11:50PM, when the complainant was awakened by suspicious noises coming from his kitchen.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Bulawayo Province Deputy Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu confirmed the case, saying the victim encountered the intruders inside his house.
"Upon entering the kitchen, the complainant discovered five unknown male adults, who had gained entry after vandalising the burglar security using an axe and iron bars. The suspects struck him on the head before proceeding to the bedroom," she said.
The gang then confronted the complainant's wife and demanded cash.
"The suspects threatened the complainant's wife, who surrendered US$830 and R5 000. The accused persons then fled from the scene. A police report was subsequently made," said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
The victim sustained head injuries and received medical treatment, while investigations are ongoing.
Police have urged residents to strengthen security at their homes amid a surge in violent robberies.
"As police, we urge the community to adopt target hardening techniques by reinforcing doors, windows and burglar screens to deter criminals. We also appeal to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to report to the nearest police station," she said.
The attack adds to a growing number of violent home invasions reported across Zimbabwe, particularly in low-density suburbs.
In recent years, the country has witnessed several high-profile robbery incidents, including the widely reported Ecobank Bulawayo robbery, where armed robbers made off with millions of dollars, exposing security vulnerabilities.
Police say criminals are increasingly using heavy tools such as axes, crowbars and bolt cutters to gain entry into homes, often assaulting occupants and demanding cash and valuables.
Authorities have called for increased vigilance, stronger neighbourhood watch systems and closer cooperation between communities and law enforcement to curb the rise in violent crime.
Investigations into the Killarney robbery are continuing, with police intensifying efforts to track down the suspects.
The incident occurred on April 23 at around 11:50PM, when the complainant was awakened by suspicious noises coming from his kitchen.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Bulawayo Province Deputy Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu confirmed the case, saying the victim encountered the intruders inside his house.
"Upon entering the kitchen, the complainant discovered five unknown male adults, who had gained entry after vandalising the burglar security using an axe and iron bars. The suspects struck him on the head before proceeding to the bedroom," she said.
The gang then confronted the complainant's wife and demanded cash.
"The suspects threatened the complainant's wife, who surrendered US$830 and R5 000. The accused persons then fled from the scene. A police report was subsequently made," said Asst Insp Ndlovu.
The victim sustained head injuries and received medical treatment, while investigations are ongoing.
Police have urged residents to strengthen security at their homes amid a surge in violent robberies.
"As police, we urge the community to adopt target hardening techniques by reinforcing doors, windows and burglar screens to deter criminals. We also appeal to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to report to the nearest police station," she said.
The attack adds to a growing number of violent home invasions reported across Zimbabwe, particularly in low-density suburbs.
In recent years, the country has witnessed several high-profile robbery incidents, including the widely reported Ecobank Bulawayo robbery, where armed robbers made off with millions of dollars, exposing security vulnerabilities.
Police say criminals are increasingly using heavy tools such as axes, crowbars and bolt cutters to gain entry into homes, often assaulting occupants and demanding cash and valuables.
Authorities have called for increased vigilance, stronger neighbourhood watch systems and closer cooperation between communities and law enforcement to curb the rise in violent crime.
Investigations into the Killarney robbery are continuing, with police intensifying efforts to track down the suspects.
Source - Sunday News
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