By Ziyah News Reporter
POLICE in Beitbridge are investigating an armed robbery incident in which a local money changer was held at gunpoint and robbed of a huge undisclosed amount of cash.
The incident occurred on March 24 at the popular Luck 7 rank, where the victim, only identified as Joe or Baba Frank was conducting his usual business.
Speaking to Ziyah Newsnetwork eyewitness said two unidentified male suspects approached the victim under the pretext of purchasing airtime.
Moments later, one of the suspects allegedly produced a firearm and demanded all the cash in the victim’s possession.
“The two men acted like ordinary customers before suddenly pulling out a gun and ordering him to hand over the money,” he said.
The suspects reportedly fled the scene on foot shortly after the robbery, blending in with pedestrians and heading towards nearby residential areas.
No injuries were reported.
Sources at the scene suspect the robbery may have been premeditated, saying the victim is often among the last traders to leave the area, making him a potential target.
The victim has not returned to work since the incident.
The officer commanding Beitbridge Police District Chief Superintendent Melusi Ncube confirmed the incident and appealed to members of the public for information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.
“We are seized with investigations into the matter and are appealing to anyone with information to report to the Officer-in-Charge at Beitbridge Urban Police Station or any nearest police station,” said Ncube.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of informal traders operating in high traffic areas, particularly those dealing in cash transactions.
Police investigations are ongoing.