News / National
AK 47 rifles used in Bulawayo robbery
09 Dec 2024 at 06:42hrs | Views
A gang of 10 heavily armed robbers stormed a business premise in Bulawayo's Western Commonage area, overpowering six security guards before stealing cash amounting to US$7,000 and R18,000.
The suspects, armed with three AK-47 assault rifles and a pistol, broke into the company offices and used grinders to open cash safes. The robbery, which occurred on December 6, 2024, has prompted police to launch a manhunt for the culprits, who remain at large.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and appealed for public assistance.
"Police in Bulawayo are appealing for information which may assist in the investigation of a case of robbery... Anyone with information should report to the nearest police station," said Comm Nyathi.
The robbery highlights a troubling rise in armed crime across Zimbabwe. This year, Harare alone has recorded over 650 armed robberies, with criminals targeting security guards in at least 106 of these cases. Last year, there were 466 such incidents in the capital, with 57 targeting premises manned by guards.
Nationally, robberies involving firearms have surged. In 2023, police documented 1,073 armed robberies compared to 973 reported so far in 2024. Cases involving security personnel rose from 31 last year to 46 this year.
Similar incidents have been reported across the country: Vainona, Harare: Three armed robbers stole US$36,260, laptops, and a Bluetooth speaker from a company after overpowering a security guard. Greendale, Harare: A family was attacked by three armed robbers who stole US$12,200, electronic devices, and a digital video recorder. Mabvuku, Harare: Police arrested Bright Chikomo (24) after a robbery where US$30, cellphones, and a blanket were stolen. The suspect was identified by a victim, leading to his capture and the recovery of a knife.
In October, a daring daytime robbery at an Ecobank branch in Bulawayo saw robbers make off with US$4.4 million, one of the largest heists in the city's history.
Police urge businesses and residents to enhance security measures and report any suspicious activity to curb the rising wave of violent crime.
The suspects, armed with three AK-47 assault rifles and a pistol, broke into the company offices and used grinders to open cash safes. The robbery, which occurred on December 6, 2024, has prompted police to launch a manhunt for the culprits, who remain at large.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and appealed for public assistance.
"Police in Bulawayo are appealing for information which may assist in the investigation of a case of robbery... Anyone with information should report to the nearest police station," said Comm Nyathi.
The robbery highlights a troubling rise in armed crime across Zimbabwe. This year, Harare alone has recorded over 650 armed robberies, with criminals targeting security guards in at least 106 of these cases. Last year, there were 466 such incidents in the capital, with 57 targeting premises manned by guards.
Nationally, robberies involving firearms have surged. In 2023, police documented 1,073 armed robberies compared to 973 reported so far in 2024. Cases involving security personnel rose from 31 last year to 46 this year.
Similar incidents have been reported across the country: Vainona, Harare: Three armed robbers stole US$36,260, laptops, and a Bluetooth speaker from a company after overpowering a security guard. Greendale, Harare: A family was attacked by three armed robbers who stole US$12,200, electronic devices, and a digital video recorder. Mabvuku, Harare: Police arrested Bright Chikomo (24) after a robbery where US$30, cellphones, and a blanket were stolen. The suspect was identified by a victim, leading to his capture and the recovery of a knife.
In October, a daring daytime robbery at an Ecobank branch in Bulawayo saw robbers make off with US$4.4 million, one of the largest heists in the city's history.
Police urge businesses and residents to enhance security measures and report any suspicious activity to curb the rising wave of violent crime.
Source - The Herald
