Bulawayo businessman shot dead in US$10 000 robbery

A Bulawayo businessman was shot dead on Monday night in an armed robbery outside his shop, with three suspects making off with a bag containing US$10 000.

The victim, identified as 52-year-old Tadius Rutanhira, had reportedly closed his business and was walking towards his son's vehicle, which had arrived to pick him up, when the suspects attacked him.

Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Rutanhira was shot with a pistol near a service station along JMN Nkomo Street, between Fourth and Third Avenue.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information, which may assist in the investigation of a murder and armed robbery case," Nyathi said.

"Three unidentified suspects shot dead the victim, Tadius Rutanhira (52), with a pistol before fleeing with his bag containing US$10 000. The victim, who was a businessperson, had just closed his shop and was walking towards his son's vehicle who had come to pick him up."

A family spokesperson, Austin Rutanhira, said the businessman was shot twice in the chest at about 11pm.

"He was 52-years-old and had been a businessman for years. He was married and is survived by four children," Austin said.

He described the deceased as a pillar of the family and someone relatives turned to for advice and support.

"We have lost a solid man who was a go-to for the family. Everyone who faced a problem or wanted advice would approach him as he had an open-door policy," he said.

Austin said the family was devastated by the manner in which Rutanhira was killed and was relying on police to apprehend those responsible.

Taxi drivers reportedly attempted to make a citizen's arrest as the suspects fled, but the robbers allegedly fired shots towards them.

Detectives from the Homicide Division were at the scene on Tuesday morning conducting investigations. The shop remained closed while the surrounding area was temporarily cleared of taxi operators as police worked at the crime scene.

A taxi operator who identified himself as Tari said the area was usually busy with shoppers, commuters and motorists, but was not known for violent incidents.

A nearby vegetable vendor, Buhle Sithole, said she knew Rutanhira as a quiet and friendly businessman who regularly greeted people working around his shop.

"No one deserves to die in such a violent manner. He was a good man who greeted vendors and everyone who operated in the area near his shop," she said.

Rutanhira's relatives have gathered at the family home at Woodville Plots, with funeral arrangements expected to be announced later.