Masvingo – A chilling incident of armed robbery has sent shockwaves through the travelling community, with five suspected criminals targeting a Beitbridge-bound Blue Circle bus early yesterday morning. The robbery, which occurred just after the turn-off to Neshuro in Mwenezi district, about 165km north of Beitbridge, has left passengers shaken and authorities scrambling to find the perpetrators, Newsday has reported.
The incident unfolded around 2:30am, as the bus, filled with passengers heading towards the border town, made its way through the darkness. The five suspects, posing as ordinary passengers, had boarded the bus at Mbare bus terminus in Harare, paying their fares to Beitbridge.
The modus operandi of the criminals was chillingly calculated. At Lundi, 100km south of Masvingo, one of the men requested to be dropped off just after the Neshuro turn-off, where he was met by an accomplice.
“As they got to the place, there was a man waiting by the road side,” a WhatsApp message circulating on social media detailed the events.
This seemingly innocuous request was a ruse. The suspected robber who had asked to disembark then signalled his four companions, pretending they all wanted to alight.
“Just as the bus stopped, the conductor went out first and the suspected robber, brandishing a pistol, ordered him back into the bus as the other four; simultaneously drew out knives and ordered the driver to get off the highway,” the WhatsApp message continued.
The driver was then forced to turn left at Vilivili, switch off all the lights, and surrender control of the bus to the criminals. The passengers, caught in the terrifying grip of the armed men, were ordered to hand over their cash and valuables.
“They threatened to kill anyone who did not surrender their belongings,” the WhatsApp message chillingly stated.
To further instill fear, one of the men fired a shot into the air before disappearing into the darkness. The passengers, left shaken and traumatised, were forced to watch as their assailants vanished, leaving behind a trail of fear and uncertainty.
Masvingo police provincial spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, while confirming that he had seen the message circulating on social media, stated that he was yet to receive official confirmation from Mwenezi Police.
“I am not in the office and will check as soon as I get there,” Dhewa said.
However, Roy Gonyora, the director of Blue Circle bus company, confirmed the robbery and expressed deep concern over the incident. He highlighted the importance of his drivers adhering to safety protocols and avoiding stops in remote areas at night.
“You tell them things, but they do not heed to instructions. They must not drop passengers in remote places at night,” Gonyora said, his voice laced with frustration.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of passengers travelling on long-distance buses, particularly at night. The brazenness of the criminals and their disregard for the safety of innocent travellers has left many questioning the effectiveness of security measures in place.
Some bus companies have implemented the use of metal detection devices to screen passengers before boarding, but it remains unclear whether the Blue Circle bus was equipped with such a device.
The incident has also highlighted the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between bus companies, law enforcement agencies, and the travelling public.
The police are appealing to anyone with information about the suspects or the incident to come forward. They have launched an investigation to apprehend the criminals and bring them to justice.
