In a daring and well-coordinated series of robberies, a gang of armed criminals struck three Sai Mart retail outlets across Bulawayo on Saturday morning, escaping with more than US$4,000 in cash. The suspects were reported to have used a blue hybrid Honda Fit, notably without number plates, fueling speculation about the level of planning and audacity behind the attacks.
The trio of Sai Mart shops targeted included locations in Entumbane, New Lobengula, and Nkulumane 11 — all hit within a very short time frame, shocking the local community. Particularly alarming was the fact that one of the outlets in Entumbane is situated mere meters away from a police station, raising serious questions about security measures in the area.
Witnesses painted a vivid picture of the harrowing ordeal, likening it to scenes from a Hollywood heist film. At the Entumbane store, two armed men allegedly barged into the premises, brandishing firearms and ordering all employees and customers to lie flat on the ground.
Outside, two accomplices waited anxiously in the getaway car, a blue Honda Fit with no license plates, ready to whisk the criminals away once the robbery was complete. During the chaotic incident, one staff member reportedly collapsed from shock and required urgent medical attention from paramedics after the robbers fled the scene.
The criminals showed a clear pattern in their targets, focusing mainly on the money transfer agencies housed within the Sai Mart outlets. At the Entumbane branch, the gang made off with thousands of US dollars from the money transfer counter — a lucrative target given the high volume of cash handled daily.
The same modus operandi was replicated at the New Lobengula outlet. A female shop attendant recalled the terrifying moment when one of the robbers held a gun to the security guard’s head.
“It was terrifying,” she said, visibly distressed. “I’m still shaken up. Honestly, after it happened, all I wanted was to get home and recover from the shock.
Armed Robbers Target Three Sai Mart Outlets in Bulawayo, Make Off with Over $4,000
The gang again focused on the money transfer counter, escaping with an undisclosed sum of money.
When reporters arrived at the Nkulumane 11 Sai Mart store, detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide Unit were already on site, interviewing employees and collecting statements.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed that investigations are ongoing. “We are working around the clock to apprehend the suspects and will release a full statement as soon as more details are available,” she said.
These brazen attacks have sparked serious concerns among residents and business owners about the growing boldness of armed gangs in Bulawayo. The fact that such violent robberies could be carried out in broad daylight, close to police stations, highlights potential gaps in security infrastructure and law enforcement response times.
Local business associations and community leaders have urged authorities to bolster security measures, particularly around financial service points which appear to be increasingly targeted by criminals.
“We cannot allow these gangs to terrorize hardworking citizens and disrupt commerce,” said one community leader. “It’s critical that law enforcement and government agencies take urgent steps to safeguard our neighborhoods.”
For employees and customers who experienced the robberies firsthand, the trauma runs deep. Many spoke of sleepless nights and heightened anxiety following the events, highlighting the often-overlooked emotional toll of such crimes.
“The fear lingers,” one worker said quietly. “Every day now, we worry if it will happen again.”
Despite the shock, Bulawayo residents remain hopeful that with continued police vigilance and community cooperation, such violent crimes can be curtailed. The swift investigation by the CID has been welcomed, though many await tangible results and a sense of restored safety.
In light of these incidents, experts are calling for comprehensive reviews of security protocols in retail environments, particularly where financial transactions are frequent. Suggestions include increased police patrols, installation of CCTV cameras, and improved alarm systems to deter future robberies.
As the investigation progresses, the Bulawayo community watches closely, hoping justice will be swift and that these violent episodes will become a thing of the past.
Source- Bulawayo24
