Daring armed robbers doused a local pastor in fuel and set him alight while demanding cash at his homestead in Enaleni area in Bubi district.
The badly injured pastor, Ephraim Ndlovu, is admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital where is battling for his life.
The assailants allegedly pounced on Ndlovu while he was asleep with his family, poured fuel through the bedroom window and set the house ablaze.
Matabeleland North province police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the incident.
“On September 15, 2021, at around midnight at Decide village in Inyathi, three unknown criminals stormed Ephraim Ndlovu’s homestead.
“They demanded cash from Ephraim who refused to grant their request and incensed by his response, they splashed fuel on him and the house wherein he was sleeping. He said they set him and the house alight and he suffered serious burns and various items in the house were burnt to ashes,” said Insp Banda.
“We kindly implore our valued citizens not to fight with armed robbers when chances of defending themselves are bleak. People should also maximize the security of their premises by installing burglar bars and screen doors where possible. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of these rogue criminals may advise the nearest police station.”
Ndlovus’ uncle, Ephraim Moyo, in an interview with CITE, said the three assailants demanded money from Ndlovu.
“They knocked on the bedroom window. One of them demanded US$500 and the other interjected saying they wanted US$1 000. Ndlovu tried to negotiate with them but they would hear none of it,” said Moyo.
“They poured fuel through the bedroom window and it splashed on Ndlovu with a little splashing on his wife too. His wife fled from the room and went into another where two of their neighbour’s children were sleeping.”
Reuben Ndlovu, headman of the area said they were saddened as a community about the incident.
“We are saddened about this incident. The police are still in pursuit of the criminals. We hope they will be caught and punished accordingly. According to the communication we got as of yesterday Ndlovu sustained about 97% injuries which does not look good at all,” Ndlovu said.
