Violent Robbery in Beitbridge Claims One Life, Police Launch Manhunt
by Priviledge Zviregei
Tragedy struck the Tshitshaudze Suburb near Ha Mangavha business centre in Beitbridge when a group of five armed men forcefully entered a residence, robbing the occupants of cash and cell phones, and ultimately taking the life of one individual. The incident has prompted a manhunt by the police, who are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in their investigation.
According to National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the armed men targeted the house late Thursday evening. The victims, a family, had already retired to bed and secured all the doors. However, at approximately 2 a.m., the perpetrators managed to break open the main door using iron bars.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi provided further details, stating, “The gang forced open the door at the back of the house using iron bars and broke a door to a bedroom where the now deceased’s child was sleeping at around 2 a.m. on Thursday.” The criminals proceeded to confiscate a cell phone from one of the occupants and demanded money. They were given US$200. Moving on to another bedroom, they seized US$600 and R300 from another individual.
Tragically, the situation escalated when the armed men targeted the room where the now deceased individual was sleeping. Despite attempting to defend himself, the victim was overpowered by the assailants and struck twice on the forehead with an iron bar. The gang proceeded to ransack the house, taking R6,500 and three cell phones before making their escape.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi reported that as the criminals were leaving the premises, one of them fired two shots at the now deceased individual, causing him to sustain fatal injuries to his chest and abdomen. The victim succumbed to his wounds shortly thereafter.
In response to the incident, Assistant Commissioner Nyathi assured the public that the police force is actively pursuing the suspects and will bring them to justice. He emphasized, “I want to assure the public that we are pursuing the suspects and we will soon bring all of them to book. The law will take its course.”
The community is urged to cooperate with the police and provide any information that may aid in the apprehension of the perpetrators. Authorities are determined to ensure the safety and security of the residents and bring an end to such acts of violence in the area.
