By Thelma Wandayi
Three armed men, brandishing a rifle and iron bars, stormed EquipZim premises in Kwekwe , in broad daylight, robbing them of $US44,298 , leaving employees and the owner shaken and traumatized.
The three armed robbers swiftly made their way towards the 24-year-old business owner and his four employees.
With cold determination and a clear intent, they demanded cash from their victims.
Fearing for their lives, the owner reluctantly handed over a sum of $US797.
However, the nightmare was far from over.
The armed intruders proceeded to blindfold the owner and forcibly marched him to the company’s safe, using him as a pawn to gain access.
With a bolt cutter in hand, they swiftly cracked open the safe and emptied it of cash totaling a staggering $US 43,000, along with ZWL $5,000 and an I-pad.
Meanwhile, the four employees, still in shock, were bound and gagged with sacks before the robbers made their escape.
Midlands Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a robbery case where a Kwekwe Company, EquipZim was robbed of cash and property valued at US$44 298-00 on 26 July 2023 around 1600 hours,” said Insp. Mahoko
Investigations by the police revealed that, the suspects had visited the company earlier that day, masquerading as genuine buyers interested in obtaining a quotation for a jaw crusher.
Unbeknownst to the victims, this interaction served as a ploy to gather valuable intelligence for their criminal operation.
Police are urging anyone with information about the suspects to come forward and assist us in bringing them to justice.
“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information about the suspects to visit any nearest police station,” he said