Business briefly came to a halt at Makoni Shopping Centre
in Chitungwiza yesterday afternoon when a gang of robbers fired 10 shots into
the air and robbed two foreign currency dealers of US$7 000, up to $30 000 and
a Toyota Allion.
The nine robbers, who were wearing masks, jumped off a
Toyota Hilux truck armed with pistols, rifles and a machete before one of them
ordered the foreign currency dealers, who trade outside the Simbisa Food Court,
to lie down.
Fast-food and confectionery outlets Chicken Inn and Baker’s
Inn had to temporarily close their doors, with customers abandoning their food,
as the heist unfolded.
Some people who were queueing for cash at Mukuru.com
scurried for cover, while others lay on the ground face down.
According to witnesses, the robbers were active for just 10
minutes, traumatising both formal and informal traders at the shopping centre.
The shopping centre is popular for foreign currency trading and fruit vending.
Witnesses said after the gang fired the shots, one of them
smashed the window of a car and grabbed a bag containing cash in local and
foreign currency.
“They fired 10 shots as everyone ran away for safety. Those
who were queueing at Mukuru complied
with the order and lay on the ground,” said Mr Farai Makurumure, who witnessed
the incident.
When The Herald arrived, police officers were still at the
scene carrying out investigations and interviewing witnesses.
National Polie spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi
said last night that two brothers were attacked and robbed of US$7 000 and
between $15 000 to $30 000.
Some of the victims of the robbery were not on the scene
with reports that they were tracking the robbers.
Another witness, Mr Jerold Muchakati, who is also a foreign
currency dealer, said used cartridges were found at the scene after the gang
had disappeared.
Said Mr Muchakati: “We saw the cartridges and managed to
take pictures when we regrouped after the robbers had driven off. The
cartridges were taken by the police as part of their investigations.”
Mr Gabriel Gwenzi said the gang was targeting foreign
currency dealers.
“We are now living in fear. Robberies are normally done at
night but this incident occurred in broad daylight. Herald
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