THREE men armed with knives stormed a house in Bulawayo’s Famona suburb where they threatened to kill the occupants before looting property worth more than $17,000 and escaping in the victims’ car. The suspects, who are still at large, are said to have left their victims tied up with USB cables. Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Garikai Chipfunde said police are hunting the suspects following the robbery on Thursday last week.
“Police are investigating an unlawful entry case where three suspects broke into a house, stole property and loaded it into their victims’ car before driving away in it,” said Asst Insp Chipfunde. Sources said the trio entered the Famona residence owned by Eugene Fransch and his wife at about 11PM after the couple had retired to bed.
“The robbers, who were armed with knives, threatened to stab the couple if they didn’t follow their orders. They demanded cash and were given $600,” said a source. The source said the robbers were enraged with what they called a pittance.
“They looted household property and loaded it into the family’s car. They used USB cables to tie up the couple before driving away,” added the source. “They stole a Nissan Tiida which they used as their getaway car. They stole property worth about $17,700. They took away $600 in cash, two cellphones, an Apple laptop, PA system among other things,” said the source.
He said police discovered the vehicle abandoned along Masiyephambili Drive the following morning. A Chronicle news crew yesterday visited the house where the robbery occurred but a gardener said there was no one at home.
Meanwhile, Asst Insp Chipfunde appealed to Bulawayo residents to increase security in their homes especially during the festive season. He urged members of the public who may have information on the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the police.
Yesterday, The Chronicle published a story detailing how a five-man gang armed with axes and knives is causing terror in Mpopoma suburb, breaking into three houses in two nights. The gang members, according to residents, paint their faces a “scary black”.