Beatrice Kumbana
BULAWAYO – A 30-year-old man fell victim to a violent robbery in Hillside on Saturday, June 14, after offering a ride to three men who later turned on him.
The victim, who was driving his Honda Fit from Nketa 7 to town, had picked up the suspects when they asked to stop to collect a friend. However, the situation quickly turned dangerous when one of the passengers pulled out a knife.
“One of the men in the backseat held an okapi knife to my neck, while the front passenger stabbed me lightly in the stomach with another knife,” the shaken victim recounted.
During the attack, one suspect opened the car bonnet and stole the battery, while another took USD 115 in cash and an Itel cellphone. The assailants then discarded the phone’s battery before returning the device.
“I was only trying to help—I never expected this,” the victim said.
The robbers fled in a white GD-6 twin cab without license plates, leaving behind a total loss of US$200.
The incident has raised concerns among local drivers and residents about safety risks, particularly for those in the transport sector.
“This shows how dangerous it can be—we must stay alert,” said another driver in the area.
Bulawayo police have advised the public to exercise caution, especially when transporting strangers.
“We encourage vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities,” said Inspector Nomalanga Musebele.
Authorities are investigating the case and have appealed for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
As Bulawayo grapples with rising crime, the incident has sparked discussions on community safety and preventive measures.
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