Police in Bulawayo have confirmed receiving reports of three machete-related robberies that took place on Tuesday evening in Emakhandeni suburb, with assailants making off with a total of US$570. One of the victims sustained serious injuries.
According to authorities, the attacks were carried out by two unidentified suspects targeting male victims using machetes and a hammer.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the first incident occurred at around 6:45 PM on 28 May, when a 52-year-old man from Emakhandeni was walking home from Tsholotsho Rank along Masiyepambili Drive.
“He was approached by two unknown men near Makhosi Ground. One of the suspects pretended to pass by but suddenly turned around and struck the complainant on the back of the head with a machete. The victim fell to the ground,” said Assistant Inspector Msebele.
The second suspect allegedly searched the victim and stole a black Huawei Y9 smartphone, US$20 in cash, and a wallet containing identity cards. The total value of items stolen in the first incident was estimated at US$120.
About 45 minutes later, at around 7:30 PM, a second victim, a 40-year-old man, was ambushed along a footpath behind Apollo Shops.
“They attempted to strike him on the head, but he blocked the machete and sustained injuries to both hands. He managed to flee, but the suspects took his wallet containing US$70, his national identity card, a red hoodie, black tennis shoes, and a Huawei P8 Lite smartphone,” she said.
The stolen items in the second incident were valued at US$200.
The third robbery occurred shortly afterwards at the same location. A 38-year-old man from Gwabalanda was attacked and left seriously injured.
“They struck him three times on the head with a machete, inflicting deep cuts, and then hit him on the forehead with a hammer, causing him to fall. They searched him and stole a black Samsung J4 Core phone, US$100 in cash, and a yellow satchel containing three pairs of trousers, a white tracksuit bottom, and a pair of black Adidas shoes. The total value of items stolen was US$250,” said Inspector Msebele.
The victims managed to reach Apollo Shopping Centre, where an ambulance was called. All three were taken to Mpilo Central Hospital for medical examination.
“The total value of property stolen during the three incidents amounts to US$570. Nothing has been recovered so far,” Inspector Msebele added.
She urged the public to avoid using secluded paths and roads, especially at night, to minimise the risk of similar attacks.
“Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects is encouraged to come forward,” she said.