Heavily armed robbers open gunfire at supermarket, stab security guard FOUR TIMES and flee with cash

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A wave of terror swept through Bulawayo’s New Luveve suburb on Saturday night as heavily armed robbers stormed a Choppies Supermarket, leaving a trail of violence and a security guard with serious injuries.

The brazen attack, which unfolded just after 8pm, moments after the supermarket closed for the evening, highlights the escalating threat of armed robberies in the city.

The robbers, armed with guns, opened fire, narrowly missing a security guard conducting his end-of-day checks behind the building. “When the shot was fired, one of the robbers manhandled the cashier, fired two shots in the air, and demanded to know where the manager was. In shock, the cashier told them the manager was at the back. In a flash, the manager had a gun pointed at his head and was ordered to open the shop,” recounted a terrified employee.

The robbers’ brutality didn’t end there. They subjected the staff to a terrifying ordeal, stabbing one security guard four times – three wounds to the leg and one to the arm – and injuring the manager with a blow to the head. The manager sustained severe head injuries during the attack.

The attack took place under the cover of darkness. A nearby vendor explained, “It was just after 8pm when we heard the gun shots which we thought were firecrackers. We even chided the person, telling them not to do that near us. Moments later, we realised in horror that it was actually a gunshot, and we ran for our lives.” A power outage had plunged the area into darkness, providing the perfect cover for the assailants, unlike the usual security lighting that illuminates the area before closing.

After overpowering the staff, the robbers forced the manager to open the main entrance, enabling their escape on foot with a haul of US$1 000 in cash. “After collecting the day’s takings, they walked out on foot towards Cowdray Park,” the employee added.

National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the robbery and stated that investigations were underway. “The robbery occurred last night (Saturday) when the supermarket was closing. The security personnel were preparing for closure when they heard shots being fired. The suspects then forced the manager to open the front entrance, took some cellphones from employees and US$1 000 from the supermarket, and fled,” Commissioner Nyathi explained. He confirmed that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of suspects and whether they used a vehicle during their escape.

Commissioner Nyathi stressed the need for enhanced security measures at supermarkets, particularly during closing hours. “It is important for supermarkets to step up security during closing time because it is clear that these robbers were monitoring the situation and knew the shop had collected the day’s takings,” he emphasised. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by businesses and their employees, particularly during periods of reduced security.

This incident sadly echoes a previous armed robbery in Bulawayo. In 2021, armed robbers targeted a cash-in-transit vehicle carrying over US$11 000 collected from various Choppies branches across the city. The ambush occurred at the Choppies Parklands branch, immediately raising suspicions of an inside job, leading to questioning of security guards and staff.

However, there has been some positive news in the fight against armed robbery in Bulawayo. In November this year, Bulawayo police made a significant breakthrough, apprehending eight individuals linked to a notorious armed robbery syndicate responsible for at least 10 robberies.

The syndicate’s crimes resulted in the theft of goods valued at over US$10 000 and substantial sums of cash. The apprehended suspects, Elvis Charakupa (40), Khulumani Moyo (51), Mavrick Dube (32), Mongameli Moyo (27), Nkosilomusa Dube (27), Qhawe Mabhena (43), Vumani Msipa (31), and Conilias Chigara (24), appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza facing charges of robbery and illegal possession of firearms.


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