*(🌕) Gun attack in Pelandaba West: Home owner shot FOUR times*
FOLLOW OUR CHANNEL✅️
https://chat.whatsapp.com/KYGTNBy9rlt0Ggt7lKmiuI
By Raymond Jaravaza, Chronicle - RESIDENTS of Pelandaba West in Bulawayo are living in fear after an armed two-man gang raided a home in the suburb in the early hours of last Thursday, shooting the homeowner four times in a brutal attack.
The attack, which occurred at around 2AM, shattered the suburb’s usual night-time calm and added to growing concerns among Bulawayo residents about armed robberies targeting homes.
The suspects allegedly broke a kitchen window and cut through burglar bars using a bolt cutter to gain entry into the house, where the 33-year-old victim was sleeping with his wife.
Gunshots were heard in the dead of night, jolting neighbours and triggering panic across the neighbourhood. Within minutes, residents flooded a local WhatsApp group with frantic messages pleading for anyone with access to police or emergency services to urgently intervene, amid fears that the armed gang could strike again.
The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and is fighting for life at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident, describing it as an armed robbery and attempted murder case.
“Police are investigating an armed robbery and attempted murder case, which occurred in Pelandaba West suburb. The complainant, aged 33, was awakened by the sound of the kitchen window’s burglar bars being cut,” said Insp Msebele.
“He proceeded to the kitchen, unlocked the door and met two unknown accused persons, who were armed with a bolt cutter and two pistols.”
Insp Msebele said the intruders forced their way into the house and demanded cash at gunpoint.
“The complainant wrestled with one of the accused persons and was shot on the thigh, back, right arm and one of his fingers,” she said.
Police have appealed to members of the public with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact their nearest police station.
“Police urge members of the public not to resist when confronted by armed criminals as this may result in fatal injuries,” said Insp Msebele.
Moments after the shooting, one resident sent a chilling voice note to a community social media group, urging anyone with links to police to act quickly.
“Our neighbour has been shot. May someone please call the police, the situation is not looking good,” said the resident.
Residents say the attack has exposed how vulnerable households are to armed criminals.
Mr Pride Mahlangu, a Pelandaba West resident said the incident has left the community traumatised.
“We are scared for our lives. Our homes should be the safest places at night but armed robbers broke into a neighbour’s house, shot him and left him for dead,” he said.
Neighbours revealed that the victim requires about US$5 000 for a delicate operation to remove bullets still lodged in his body.
“The victim will be transferred to a private hospital for the operation once the family raises the required amount,” said a neighbour.
The victim’s wife, who identified herself as Tafadzwa, said the family was mobilising funds but could not comment further due to the ongoing police investigations.
“Yes, we are mobilising funds for an operation but the elders have said we should not speak to the media,” she said.
Ward 18 councillor Felix Takunda Madzana said the shooting had left the community shocked given the increased armed robberies being reported across the city.
“In a show of unity, residents have started making contributions to assist the family. People have come together to raise funds to assist the victim,” said Clr Madzana.
He said residents in the immediate section of the suburb where the incident occurred had already raised US$250.
“This gesture shows that the community is united in the face of adversity,” he said.
Clr Madzana said the increasing cases of armed robbery require stronger security interventions.
“We are witnessing a surge in armed robberies and violent crime in the area. I do not think the presence of neighbourhood watch committee members alone is enough,” he said.
The incident adds to mounting calls for increased police visibility and co-ordinated community policing. Chronicle
