A quiet night in Burnside – one of Bulawayo’s most affluent leafy suburbs, turned into an hour of terror for a couple, William Rose and his wife, Laetitia, after two masked and armed robbers invaded their home, leaving them traumatized and robbed of US$1800.
The harrowing incident occurred on Monday evening, as the couple slept peacefully in their home. According to a family member who spoke to B-Metro, William was awoken by the sound of footsteps in the yard. He cautiously went outside to investigate, only to be met with a vicious slap to the face, delivered by one of the robbers.
The masked assailant, clad in a balaclava and dark sunglasses, was armed with a menacing iron bar, while his accomplice wielded a sharp knife. The robbers, determined to get their hands on valuables, forced their way into the couple’s bedroom, where Laetitia was still asleep.
The scene that followed was one of pure terror. The robbers, their faces hidden, demanded money from Laetitia, and when she resisted, they assaulted her. William, witnessing the brutality against his wife, attempted to intervene, but was met with threats of violence. The second robber, brandishing his knife, pushed William back into the bedroom, where his wife was being held down.
The couple’s ordeal continued for nearly an hour, as the robbers relentlessly demanded cash, threatening to kill them if they didn’t comply. They subjected the couple to a terrifying display of violence, leaving them shaken and fearing for their lives.
Finally, after an hour of torture, the robbers, having secured US$1800, fled the scene, leaving the couple traumatized and in shock. William, shaken but determined to seek justice, reported the incident to Hillside Police Station.
Bulawayo Police Spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube, confirmed the attack, expressing concern over the rising number of home invasions in the city. He urged the public to be vigilant and to avoid putting themselves at risk by leaving their homes at night.
“We encourage people to contact the neighborhood watch committee or alert community members via local WhatsApp groups,” Inspector Ncube advised.
The incident has left the well-up Burnside community on edge, with residents expressing fear and concern for their safety.
