Bulawayo – Zimbabwe’s second city is in the grip of a violent crime wave, with armed robberies surging at an alarming rate. The latest incident saw a 30-year-old illegal foreign currency dealer fighting for his life after being shot and robbed of a small fortune in Luveve, while fuel service stations continue to be prime targets for brazen gunmen. The escalating violence has prompted a stern warning from police and forced some businesses to take drastic measures to protect themselves.
The forex dealer, identified as Mthokozisi Nkomo, was ambushed around 9:30 PM on Monday night near Maplanka Shops in Luveve, shortly after disembarking from a commuter omnibus travelling from the city centre to Gwabalanda suburb.
According to Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, Nkomo noticed a suspicious individual who had also disembarked from the kombi. Sensing danger, he allowed the suspect to pass him along Intemba Road. However, the suspect suddenly pulled out a firearm and shot him in the stomach before making off with a bag containing US$5 700, BWP2 000, R1 400, and a Samsung A13 cellphone.
“The complainant fell to the ground, bleeding profusely, as the suspect searched him and took his belongings before fleeing the scene,” said Asst Insp Msebele. Nkomo was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital for urgent medical treatment, where he is currently battling for his life.
Asst Insp Msebele said police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect. She warned residents against carrying large sums of money, especially at night, urging them to utilise banking services to minimise risk. Asst Insp Msebele also stated that police are intensifying patrols and urging the public to provide any information that could help track down the perpetrators. Witnesses are urged to call Bulawayo Police on 0292 60358.
Fuel Stations Under Fire: A City on Edge
The attack on Nkomo comes amid a worrying trend of armed robberies in Bulawayo, particularly targeting fuel service stations and individuals handling large amounts of cash. Just a day before the forex trader was attacked, gunmen stormed a service station along Siyephambili Drive in Kelvin West, getting away with US$1 000 and R7 000.
In that case, three masked suspects armed with rifles and a pistol ambushed fuel attendants, firing a warning shot before forcing them into the cash office. The robbers seized all available cash and fled the scene.
According to police, the robbers got away with US$1 000 and ZAR 7 000 after raiding Blaze Petroleum, situated along Siyephambili Drive in Kelvin West.
Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele the incident occurred on March 23 at around 8 PM.
She said three unidentified suspects, clad in face masks and armed with two unidentified rifles and a pistol emerged from a nearby maize field near the service station.
“One of the suspects fired one shot into the air. The fuel attendants tried to run away but were all apprehended. They were force marched to the cash office where the suspects demanded money. The fuel attendants surrendered all the money in their possession and the suspects also took some money which was in an unlocked metal box,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
She said the robbers ordered the fuel attendants to lie down before fleeing from the scene of the crime.
“We have witnessed the upsurge of armed robberies at fuel service stations around the city . We urge petrol attendants not to keep large sums of money on themselves or on their premises but to deposit their monies in the safes under lock and key and day sales to be banked,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
The escalating crime wave has prompted some fuel stations to revise their operating hours, shutting down at night to protect workers and customers. In recent months, a gang made off with a total of US$2 374 and ZAR115 235 after raiding a service station located in the Kelvin industrial area last month.
He said that the robbers forced the employees to lie on the ground before stealing the cash.
In a separate incident, Commissioner Nyathi reported that the same suspected group targeted a service station in Tshabalala, where they stole US$440 and a Toyota Altezza valued at US$3 200, which they later abandoned in the Pumula suburb.
He appealed to the public for information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspects, who were wearing balaclavas. He urged business owners to strengthen their security measures by installing CCTV systems and other electronic security devices, such as trip alarms.
“We have witnessed an upsurge in armed robberies at fuel service stations. We urge operators to improve security measures, deposit daily earnings promptly, and minimise cash held on-site,” said Asst Insp Msebele.
Police Vow to Fight Back: Six Suspects Killed in Tollgate Shootout
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has vowed to crack down on the rising tide of armed robberies, sending a strong message to criminals that their actions will not be tolerated. Just a week ago, police intercepted a gang of armed robbers, resulting in a deadly shootout.
In a subsequent shootout, all six suspects sustained gunshot wounds and died on admission at the United Bulawayo Hospitals.
National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in a statement: “The suspects spent the whole day monitoring and drinking beer at the Young Money General Dealer shop in Insuza. Later, they pounced on on the two bar attendants while armed with pistols, knives and axes.”
Nyathi said the victims had their hands tied with electric cables and the men covered their heads with blankets while demanding to know where cash and gold was stored.
The suspects ransacked the shop, stealing an undisclosed amount of cash, groceries, a 48-volt lithium battery, an inverter, an amplifier, a nine-kilogramme gas tank, and several mobile phones.
The shop owner called police after being alerted to the robbery, leading to the attempt to intercept the robbers at the tollgate.
Police recovered two pistols with four live rounds and two gas operated pistols, two knives and an axe from the vehicle.
“The ZRP reiterates that there is no going back in the fight against armed robbery syndicates. Any form of confrontation will be responded to through appropriate measures,” Nyathi said.
A City Living in Fear: Urgent Action Needed
The surge in armed robberies has left residents of Bulawayo living in fear, with many businesses and individuals taking extra precautions to protect themselves. The escalating crime wave is not only impacting the economy but also eroding the sense of security and well-being of the community.
The police are urging business owners to strengthen their security measures by installing CCTV systems and other electronic security devices, such as trip alarms. They are also advising residents to avoid carrying large sums of cash and to utilise banking services whenever possible.
However, many believe that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the rising crime rate, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of opportunities for young people.
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