BULAWAYO – Armed robbers launched a daring raid on the Bulawayo High Court on Sunday morning after disarming two police officers.
Police believe the eight-man gang wanted to retrieve something from the evidence room or seize documents relating to a legal matter currently before the High Court.
National police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the gang armed with pistols struck at around 4AM. They disarmed and assaulted two police officers before blindfolding and tying them up.
Using a grinder, the robbers attempted to break into the crime registry safe.
Nyathi said: “They tried to force open the court’s main safe in the criminal registry office using a key. After failing, they tried again now using a grinder.
“It is alleged that they were making phone calls throughout, suggesting they had inside information. We want to establish the motive behind the robbery and the attack on the officers. We are therefore leaving no stone unturned in our quest to get to the bottom of this case and apprehend the suspects.”
One of the police officers was hospitalised after being injured during the assault, Nyathi said.
The Judicial Service Commission said it was sending a team to the court on Herbert Chitepo and 8th Avenue to assess if anything had been taken.
