BULAWAYO – Bulawayo, once known as the City of Kings, is fast becoming Zimbabwe’s haven for violent criminal activities, as another cash heist has rocked the city. This time, armed robbers stormed Zarah Lounge, also known as Crystal Lounge, a popular nightclub, making off with US$4,300 in broad daylight.
The incident occurred on Sunday, 11 May, as staff members were counting the previous night’s takings. According to police reports, three armed men stormed the premises, holding the workers at gunpoint and forcing them into a room where they were kept hostage.
“The ZRP is investigating a case of armed robbery which occurred today at around 1000 hours at a local bar located at corner 13th Avenue and R Mugabe Way, Bulawayo. Three suspects who are yet to be identified attacked the staff members as they were counting the daily cash takings and held them hostage. They then stole USD 4,300.00 cash and went away,” a police statement confirmed.
One brave staff member, hidden in the restroom, managed to call for help, triggering a swift response from armed police, the canine unit, and emergency services.
Armed police officers were seen on rooftops after surrounding the building which also houses Crystal nightclub. Dozens of curious onlookers watched the drama unfold, some from the vantage point of the multi-storey Rainbow Hotel across the street.
Responding officers initially believed the armed robbers were still inside the building. Police moved quickly, rescuing six frightened hostages after breaching the premises. Some officers even climbed onto the roof, firing warning shots in an attempt to force the robbers out of hiding.
Nearby streets, including Robert Mugabe Road and 10th Avenue, were completely shut down as authorities braced for a potential shootout. After nearly an hour, nightclub staff were seen emerging from the building, some looking distraught.
However, in a surprising twist, the operation was called off with no suspects in sight—and no one taken into custody. “There’s no indication that anyone’s been arrested,” confirmed sources at the scene. “It’s possible the suspects escaped during the commotion.”
National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “They then stole US$4,300 cash and went away. Police swiftly attended the scene after receiving the report and mobilised all the relevant sections who attended the scene within the shortest possible time. Unfortunately, the suspects had fled.”
What began as a terrifying hostage crisis at Crystal Lounge has now ended in confusion, with no arrests made and many questions still unanswered.
The incident has left many residents worried about the surge in violent crime in the city. Bulawayo, once considered a relatively safe city, has experienced a worrying increase in armed robberies and other criminal activities in recent months.
While the nightclub robbers are still on the run, the ZRP confirmed separate arrests in connection with other recent armed robbery cases in the city. These incidents reportedly involved machetes and other weapons and took place in suburbs including Cowdray Park, Makokoba, and Nkulumane.
“Meanwhile, the ZRP confirms the arrest of suspects who were engaged in other armed robbery incidents using machetes and other weapons in Cowdray Park, Makokoba, Nkulumane and surrounding suburbs. More details will be released in due course,” the police statement concluded.
The latest heist at Zarah Lounge has further heightened concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in the city. Residents are calling for increased police patrols, improved security measures, and a more proactive approach to tackling the root causes of crime.
Follow @MyZimbabweNews
