BULAWAYO – Police say they are investigating a midnight attack on a business couple in Emvaleni, in the Matabeleland South district of Mangwe, during which their grocery shop was raided by armed men and various items including cash stolen.
Zanele Sibanda and her husband Mxolisi Makhalanga were both stabbed with knives by the gang numbering six just before midnight on February 23, police said.
The gang, armed with machetes and knives, “fired gunshots, forced open the victim’s house and tuck shop and stole various groceries and cash,” according to national police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
“The two victims were stabbed with a knife and were left with hands and legs tied. The suspects are at large, and investigations are in progress,” Nyathi said.
Locals said the robbers first struck at a nearby business centre called Macingwane, where they raided one shop after assaulting two shopkeepers. They deflated the tyres of a vehicle parked outside and then drove towards Kwite, stopping at Emvaleni where they became even more violent, said Dennis Sibanda, a neighbour.
Police are appealing with information on the suspects.
