A weekend of brazen armed robberies has left authorities scrambling for answers after a combined US$68,000 and five firearms were stolen in separate incidents in Esigodini and Harare. The attacks, which occurred within days of each other, have raised serious concerns about the escalating crime rate and the safety of citizens.
The first robbery took place in Esigodini on Saturday, October 5, just after 6:30 PM. Two armed men stormed a house in Habane Township, making off with US$45,000 in cash. During the terrifying ordeal, one occupant of the house was shot in the chest and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Bulawayo.
Just days earlier, on October 3, a security company in Harare’s Strathaven suburb fell victim to a daring heist. Eight suspects, armed with pistols and iron bars, overpowered a security guard on duty at the Royal Intersec company premises on Lymington Road. They escaped with US$23,175 in cash, along with five firearms, seven pepper sprays, and seven sets of handcuffs.
National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed both incidents, stating that investigations are underway.
“During the incident, one occupant was shot on the chest and is currently receiving medical attention at a hospital in Bulawayo,” he said regarding the Esigodini robbery.
He further detailed the Harare robbery: “Eight unknown suspects armed with unidentified pistols and iron bars attacked a security guard who was on duty… before stealing US$23,175 cash, five firearms, seven pepper sprays and seven handcuffs.”
The theft of five firearms from the security company is particularly alarming, raising the spectre of further criminal activity with these weapons now in the hands of dangerous individuals. The police are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators. They urge anyone with information to contact their nearest police station.
These incidents come amidst a backdrop of increasing armed robberies across the country, leaving communities living in fear. The brazen nature of the attacks, targeting both residential homes and businesses, underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and a robust police response.
