By Venus Charumbira
Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Courts and Crime Reporter
BULAWAYO – Police are investigating a violent daylight robbery targeting a suspected illegal forex trader outside a Fife Street food outlet, with sources revealing explosive new details about the Saturday night attack.
The Attack
At approximately 6:45 PM on 10 August, a 33-year-old Pelandaba West man – identified by our sources as an Usiphatheleni (black market money changer) – was parked in his white Nissan Note awaiting an order when a Toyota GD6 pulled alongside him. Three armed men emerged, surrounding his vehicle.
“The victim had just concluded a high-value deal,” a witness with inside information disclosed.
“He was carrying US$4,000 and ZAR60,000 – likely illicit forex trade proceeds.”
Violent Escape
An eyewitness who was on the scene told Zim GBC News:
“The suspects smashed the driver’s window and fired four shots when the victim resisted. One bullet grazed his right palm as he fought the assailants. He abandoned the cash-filled bag, which the assailants grabbed before speeding off in the GD6.”
Witnesses Describe Chaos
Patrons at a nearby bottle store dove for cover during the shootout.
“People scrambled in all directions – glasses shattered, chairs overturned,” recounted a witness who requested anonymity.
“Those weren’t warning shots; they aimed to kill.”
Police Warnings & Investigation Gaps
Inspector Msebele reiterated:
“Carrying large cash sums makes you a target. We urge businesses to use digital payments.”
The absence of CCTV at the crime hotspot has hampered the investigations. No arrests have been made, but detectives are pursuing leads on the GD6’s registration.
Black Market Connection
This attack exposes Bulawayo’s underground forex trade, where Usiphatheleni operators move cash in public spaces.
“This was a targeted hit,” confirmed an intelligence source.
“The assailants knew about the deal.”
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