In a dramatic turn of events that reads like a Hollywood thriller, five suspected armed robbers who terrorized a Beitbridge-bound Blue Circle bus early yesterday morning were apprehended before they could even enjoy the fruits of their crime.
The incident, which unfolded just after the turn-off to Neshuro in Mwenezi district, has sent a wave of relief through the travelling community, but also serves as a stark reminder of the audacious nature of crime in the country.
The robbery, which occurred around 2:30am, involved a chillingly calculated plan by the five suspects, who had boarded the bus at Mbare bus terminus in Harare, posing as ordinary passengers. Their journey, however, was not about reaching Beitbridge, but about orchestrating a terrifying heist.
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. 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.
“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.
“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.
However, the robbers’ joy was short-lived. The swift actions of a soldier and a police officer, who were alerted to the incident, led to the dramatic arrest of the suspects.
According to reports from Neshuro growth point, it was the fight for a woman that exposed the criminals. One of the suspects, in a bid to impress a woman, flaunted a firearm and bundles of cash, believing it would win her heart. Little did he know that the woman, a soldier, was playing along and had already tipped off a policeman.
The suspects were apprehended in a dramatic fashion, their plans thwarted before they could even spend a single dollar of their ill-gotten gains.
This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies. The quick thinking of the soldier and the policeman, combined with the courage of the woman, played a crucial role in bringing these criminals to justice.
