In a heart-stopping ordeal that unfolded last Wednesday, a local businessman in Umguza, name withheld for security reasons, awoke to the chilling sound of gunshots echoing through the night. Little did he know that this would be the beginning of a harrowing experience that no family should ever endure.
Driven by instinct and a deep concern for his loved ones, the businessman wasted no time and rushed to his shop, where the source of the disturbing noise seemed to originate. What he discovered upon arrival was a scene that surpassed his worst nightmares. Three armed men stood menacingly over his wife and children, who lay helplessly on the floor.
Without warning, one of the assailants ruthlessly struck the businessman on the back of his head with the butt of his pistol, sending shockwaves of pain through his body. In a chilling display of violence, the gunman threatened to end his life with a single pull of the trigger. The fear that gripped the businessman was unimaginable.
The motives behind this brazen attack became clear as the trio demanded cash and cellphones from the terrorized family. Forced to comply, the businessman was ordered to join his loved ones on the cold, unforgiving floor. With a swift motion, one of the robbers pried open the cash box, snatching a meagre sum of US$100, along with two cellphones.
In an instant, the criminals retreated, leaving the family traumatized and their sense of security shattered. The psychological wounds inflicted upon them were immeasurable, as they grappled with the aftermath of this horrifying event.
The businessman wasted no time in reporting the incident to the local police, who promptly initiated a thorough investigation. Their efforts bore fruit, leading to the arrest of Makhosini Mathobela (32), a man believed to be linked to this armed robbery. Mathobela was apprehended in possession of a pistol, which has since been submitted to the CID forensic ballistic unit for examination.
Appearing before Bulawayo regional magistrate Dambudzo Malunga, Mathobela entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of armed robbery. However, the evidence against him remained substantial, prompting the magistrate to remand him in custody until the 26th of February. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies continue their relentless pursuit of Mathobela’s accomplices, determined to bring them to justice and bring solace to the traumatized family.
