Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – Police in Bulawayo have launched a manhunt for three armed robbers who attacked staff members at a local bar on Saturday morning, making off with over US$4,300 in cash.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) say the incident occurred at around 10:00am at a bar located at the corner of 13th Avenue and Robert Mugabe Way.
The suspects, who are yet to be identified, ambushed employees as they were counting the day’s cash takings, holding them hostage before fleeing with the money.
“The ZRP is investigating a case of armed robbery which occurred at around 1000 hours today. Three unknown suspects attacked staff members at a local bar and stole US$4,300. The suspects held the victims hostage during the ordeal,” said national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
He commended the swift response by the police following the report, although the suspects had already fled by the time officers arrived at the scene.
“Our teams mobilized all relevant sections and attended the scene within the shortest possible time.
“Unfortunately, the suspects had already escaped. However, investigations are ongoing, and we are pursuing all leads,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
In a related development, the ZRP confirmed the arrest of several suspects involved in a spate of armed robberies in Bulawayo’s high-density suburbs, including Cowdray Park, Makokoba, and Nkulumane.
“These suspects were using machetes and other weapons to terrorize residents. The arrests are part of our ongoing efforts to crack down on violent crimes in the city.
More details regarding these arrests will be released in due course,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious individuals or activities to their nearest police station.
