A Bulawayo Catholic church has become the latest target of armed robbers stalking churches in the city.
Father Gilbert Moyo of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Cowdray Park was savagely beaten by a gang of 4 machete-wielding men who raided the parish house in the early hours of the morning.
The ruthless thieves made off with around US$1,200 in cash, US$120 from Moyo’s wallet, his driver’s license and cellphone.
During the terrifying ordeal, the gang struck Moyo with an iron bar on his back and handcuffed him and a junior priest they found in the house.
“They hit me with the iron bar and I sustained injuries on my left hand and shoulders,” Father Moyo told B-Metro.
The thieves then fled in an Isuzu vehicle belonging to the church. Police later recovered the vehicle minus its battery along the Byo-Tsholotsho road. A manhunt for the gang remains ongoing.
Congregants expressed fear, saying armed robberies of churches in Bulawayo are now commonplace. Lady Fatima Parish and St Peter and Paul church have also been hit multiple times recently.
The brutal robbery has left Father Moyo battered and bruised, interrupting his prayers for peace in the community. Police must ensure criminals do not continue targeting churches with impunity.
