Armed robbers raided an abattoir and a homestead in two separate incidents in Kwekwe and got away with a total of US$11 000 in cash.
According to Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, both incidents occurred on Wednesday night.
In the first incident, about eight men armed with pistols, iron bars, and machetes arrived at Bellevue Abattoir just outside Kwekwe CBD and threatened workers and security with death. Inspector Mahoko told the Chronicle:
They demanded cash while threatening the workers and security guards, prompting the workers to surrender US$3 511 cash. They proceeded to blast open a safe which was in the store room and took US$813 and vanished after tying the workers with cables.
In the second incident, a group of about six men armed with axes, machetes, and iron bars broke into a house in Redcliff’s Millennium Park suburb. Mahoko said:
They threatened the five occupants who were in the house demanding cash. They ransacked the house and took US$6 243 and seven cellphones before vanishing into the darkness.
Police are now appealing to anyone with information which may lead to the apprehension of the suspects to approach the nearest police station.
Armed robberies have been a concern in Zimbabwe, as they have occurred in various parts of the country over the years. These incidents involve criminals using weapons, such as guns or knives, to steal money or other valuable items from their victims.
It is generally not recommended to keep large sums of money at home in Zimbabwe.
Storing cash at home can make you vulnerable to theft or burglary, and it may not be covered by insurance in case of a loss.
It is always safer to deposit money in a bank account, where it can be insured and protected. Additionally, banks in Zimbabwe offer a range of services such as interest on savings, online banking, and access to credit facilities, which can help you to grow your money or meet your financial needs.
If you must keep a significant amount of cash at home, it is recommended that you use a secure safe or lockbox to store the money. However, it is important to note that even the best security measures may not be foolproof, and it is always better to minimize the amount of cash you keep at home.