Crimes and Courts
BULAWAYO – Three men are in police custody following a dramatic shootout with officers responding to an attempted break-in at DA Garage in Thorngrove last night.
The incident, which left one suspect injured, unfolded after an alert security guard raised the alarm.
According to Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, Bulawayo Press and Public Relations Officer, the incident began around 8:30 PM on August 14th. A 39-year-old security guard employed at the SPCA next to DA Garage heard noises near the garage’s backyard gate.
“The security guard went to check and saw two male adults walking from the darkness towards the tarred road,” stated Inspector Msebele.
“He also observed a white Nissan Note parked along the same road near the garage, dropping off two male adults. Upon checking the gate, he discovered the padlock had been cut and immediately alerted the police.”
Police responded swiftly. En route, they spotted the white Nissan Note approximately 600 metres from the garage, driving towards Khami Road. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle.
“Police signaled the driver, Wellington Mthunzi, to stop but he did not comply,” Inspector Msebele reported.
“Warning shots were fired, but the accused still refused to stop and instead fired back at the police.”
A shootout ensued. Police targeted the vehicle’s wheels to immobilize it. Once stopped, the driver, Wellington Mthunzi (29, of Entumbane), was arrested.
He sustained an accidental gunshot wound to his left leg during the exchange and received medical attention.
A search of the Nissan Note revealed a pair of gloves and a CZ Pistol hidden under the driver’s seat.
Officers swiftly returned to the DA Garage scene. A search of the premises led to the discovery and arrest of two more suspects hiding in the garage backyard: Gift Mwale (42, of Fourwings) and Witness Hlongwane (39, of Mabutho Lower Rangemore).
“Gift Mwale and Witness Hlongwane were found where they had already broken a window to one of the offices,” Inspector Msebele said.
A bolt cutter and a pick were recovered from them.
During interviews, Mwale and Hlongwane reportedly admitted their intent.
“They admitted that they intended to break into DA Garage offices… in search for cash but were disturbed by movements outside,” confirmed Inspector Msebele.
Police praised the security guard’s vigilance.
“We would like to appreciate the alertness of the security guard and his swift effort to reach out to the police and disturb the mission of the accused persons,” Inspector Msebele emphasised.
She also issued a reminder to the public regarding police interactions:
“We urge members of the public to always stop when signaled to do so by the police.”
Wellington Mthunzi, Gift Mwale, and Witness Hlongwane are expected to face charges including attempted burglary, illegal possession of a firearm, and attempted murder following the shootout with police. Investigations are ongoing.
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