POLICE in Bulawayo are investigating two cases of armed robbery which occurred in Emthunzini and Pumula last Sunday amid concerns over a rise in crime in the city.
Bulawayo provincial police deputy spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thandekile Ndlovu said a 54-year-old female victim from Emthunzini was sleeping in her house when she was awakened by sounds coming from the main door, which was being forcibly opened.
A few minutes later, the complainant saw three men armed with a pistol and axe entering the house.
Ndlovu said the suspects pointed the pistol at the complainant and demanded money.
“They then searched the bedroom and took US$6, which was in the wardrobe and went away,” she said.
In a similar incident, Ndlovu said a 34-year-old man from Pumula South arrived home from town and parked his Honda Fit vehicle.
“As he was disembarking from the vehicle, he was approached by three unknown accused persons who were all armed with pistols,” she said.
Ndlovu said they ordered the man to lie on the ground.
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“The accused persons demanded money and his Samsung cellphone. The complainant surrendered cash amounting to US$6 000,” she said.
“The robbers entered the complainant’s house, which they ransacked but could not find more money.
“The accused persons then got into the complainants’ motor vehicle and drove off.”
Ndlovu urged the community to use target-hardening techniques in their homes by putting burglar bars on windows and screens on doors.
“We also urge the public to avoid carrying large sums of money, especially at night, but to bank the money,” she said.
“We appeal to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the accused persons and the recovery of the motor vehicle to come forward or report at any nearest police station.”
