A family in the Mahuhushe area of Lutumba in Beitbridge was robbed at gunpoint on Monday after four assailants pounced while they were checking the fuel level in a generator.
The family lost an assortment of goods and money worth over R13 000 to the suspects.
Zimbabweans are spending more than 15 hours a day without electricity, which in most cases is restored after 11 PM.
Robbers have taken advantage of the darkness caused by unscheduled power cuts to terrorise residents and businesspeople.
Some well-to-do families have resorted to using generators to power their gadgets.
Police in Beitbridge are investigating the robbery incident in the Mahuhushe area and have appealed to anyone with information to contact the nearest police station.
The police officer commanding Beitbridge district, chief superintendent Tichaona Nyongo confirmed the robbery incident.
He said that on the fateful day at around midnight, the four complainants were having a party, playing music and drinking alcoholic beverages at Misheck Chauke’s homestead. Said Chief Supt Nyongo:
During the process, two of the complainants went to check the fuel level in the generator they were using to power the homestead.
Suddenly the four suspects appeared at the gate armed with a pellet gun and fired two shots in the air ordering everybody to lie down.
For fear for their lives, the victims complied and one of the suspects guarded those who were lying on the ground.
The suspects then searched everyone and ransacked the house taking cell phones and cash all worth R12 100 as well as US$100 cash before leaving
The matter was later reported at Lutumba Police Station on the same day.
Chief Supt Nyongo said the police recovered two spent cartridges fired from the pellet gun at the scene but none of the complainants was injured. | The Herald