Some daring armed robbers struck with precision in Bulawayo early Tuesday morning, walking away with more than US$78,000 and half a million rand in a carefully executed raid at a Mukuru outlet in the city centre.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident in an official statement dated 4 March 2026.
“ARMED ROBBERY CASE AT A FINANCIAL SERVICE OUTLET IN BULAWAYO”
In a press statement seen by ZiGoats.com, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a case of armed robbery which Occurred on 04 March 2026 at around 0708 hours at a financial services outlet, located along Jason Moyo Street, between 8th and 9th Avenue, Bulawayo.”
Bulawayo Mukuru Robbery: Targeted, Timed And Ruthless
From the details released, this was no random smash-and-grab. Police say the suspects lay in wait for a female employee arriving for work.
“Preliminary investigations by the Police indicate that a female employee at the shop was approached by unknown suspects while parking a motor vehicle upon arrival for duty.”
What happened next suggests the robbers knew exactly what they wanted, and where it was.
“The suspects forcibly escorted her into the offices and ordered her to open the strong room and a Chubb safe.”
No shooting has been reported. No dramatic getaway scenes. Just cold efficiency.
Inside Job Or Surveillance?
Investigators will likely be asking hard questions.
- How did the suspects know the employee’s exact arrival time?
- How did they know she had access to both the strong room and the Chubb safe?
- How did they know where the DVR and panic button were located?
According to police:
“Subsequently, the suspects took cash from the safe, removed a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and a panic button, before escaping through the back door.”
Removing the DVR and panic button shows clear intent to cripple surveillance and delay response time. That is not amateur behaviour.
The Stolen Cash
The total haul is substantial.
“The total amount stolen is USD 78 141.00 and ZAR 501 820.00.”
In today’s economic climate, that is a serious blow, not just to the outlet, but to confidence in financial service security systems operating in busy city centres.
Jason Moyo Street, between 8th and 9th Avenue, is one of Bulawayo’s busiest commercial areas. Yet at 7:08am, the suspects executed the robbery and vanished through a rear exit.
Police Appeal
The ZRP says investigations are ongoing and is urging members of the public to come forward.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information which may assist in the on-going investigations to contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197, or report at any nearest police station.”
The removal of the DVR and panic button suggests planning. The timing suggests surveillance. The execution suggests experience.
For now, the suspects remain at large.
Police investigations continue.
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