The ManicaPost
Abel Zhakata Senior Reporter
WHEN a Dangamvura family was recently attacked by three robbers, their neighbours who had come through to help were instructed to look the other way and mind their own business.
The unfazed robbers took their time to ransack the complainant’s house despite the several distress calls that had been made.
Armed with knives and axes, the daring robbers attacked Mrs Alice Sithole (50) and her two daughters just after midnight as the unsuspecting trio was watching a late night movie. Screams for help, which were clearly heard by neighbours, did not deter the robbers who were determined to break into the house.
Narrating the horrific experience to The Manica Post last week, Mrs Sithole, who is a cross-border trader, said when they heard footsteps outside their house, they sensed danger and screamed for help.
“In no time, a deafening sound followed as the robbers broke our door using a big hammer,” she said.
“We rushed into the bedroom and tried to lock ourselves there, but the robbers followed in hot pursuit. We wrestled as the criminals were forcing to gain entry while we tried to lock the door. They eventually overpowered us and got inside. It was frightening.
“They demanded money and we produced what we had but they said the money was not enough. One of them ordered his accomplice to heat an iron bar so that they could use it to torture us to produce more money.
“We were terrified and offered to hand over our cellphones since we had nothing more to give.
“The situation worsened when one of them threatened to rape us if we did not reveal where we had hidden the money. It was as if someone had tipped them of what was happening at our house. They knew everything,” she said.
Mrs Sithole said their neighbours were awakened by the noise and they tried to come out to render assistance.
“One of the robbers who was outside locked their doors. He told them to stay inside and not risk their lives by trying to intervene.
“They took their time and ransacked our house before driving off in a gateway car that was parked some metres from our house,” she said.
Money and property valued at US$1 100 was lost during the robbery.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the robbery and said the police only managed to arrive at the scene after the robbers had sped off.
He said the assailants pounced on the house after midnight on May 7.
“The complainant and her two daughters heard some footsteps outside the house and cried out for help before the robbers could break in, but that did not stop the criminals from forcing their way into the house,” said Inspector Kakohwa, adding that investigations are still in progress. A fortnight ago, six armed robbers who were armed with AK47 assault rifles pounced on three Penhalonga families and stole some groceries.
Another gang attacked a bar owner in Chigodora after they disguised themselves as cops enforcing Covid-19 lockdown regulations. They stole cash and cellphones. However, the suspects were arrested two days later in Dangamvura and are currently in remand prison awaiting trial.
