AN unnamed Bulawayo gold buyer reportedly lost US$350 000 after two suspected armed robbers stormed and ransacked his house after tricking him into believing that they were selling gold.
National police spokesperson assistant commissioner Paul Nyathi said they have since launched a manhunt for the two suspects.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is appealing for information which may assist in the investigations of a case of armed robbery which occurred on November 22, 2022, at around 12.35 pm at a certain house along Heyman Road, in Bulawayo,” said Nyathi.
He added: “Two unknown suspects, armed with an unidentified small firearm, approached the complainant, who is a registered gold buyer, claiming that they were selling 50 grams of gold.
“The suspects then ransacked the house before stealing US$350 000 cash, a CCTV HDI server and a main gate remote.”
Meanwhile, Nyathi said cases of individuals and businesses losing large amounts of money and valuable property to armed robbers are on the rise and in worst instances, precious lives have been lost.
“Criminals are getting tip-offs before they pounce on their unsuspecting targets as robbers.
“We continue to implore business people and the general public to be very careful and avoid moving around with a lot of money. They should also avoid keeping large sums at either residential or business premises,” he said.
Nyathi further urged the business community to invest in security systems to reduce the risk of losing their valuables to criminals and, at the same time, hire credible employees.
“This includes installation of alarm systems, CCTVs or any other technology that enhances security at business premises or homes. It is also important for employers to properly vet security and other employees.”
The incident comes at a time the second-largest city has been battling a surge in armed robberies, with most of them yet to be accounted for.
