BULAWAYO – Armed men robbed a Mukuru money transfer agency in central Bulawayo on Wednesday morning after kidnapping one of its employees in the parking lot, police have confirmed.
The employee arrived at the branch at the corner of 8th Avenue and Jason Moyo Street at approximately 7AM, where she was accosted by the suspects before she could enter the building.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the men forced her inside and issued demands.
“The suspects forcibly escorted her into the offices and ordered her to open the strong room and a safe,” he said.
The robbers made off with USD $78,141 and R501,820 in cash before fleeing through the back door. They also took a digital video recorder and a panic button – items likely removed to destroy surveillance evidence and disable the alarm system.
“The total money stolen is $78,141 and R501,820,” Nyathi confirmed.
The branch opened for business on schedule, and the incident went unnoticed by regular customers.
“I was there just before 7AM and the branch opened as scheduled at 7AM. I was shocked to hear there was a robbery,” a customer at the scene said.
Police are appealing to members of the public with any information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The robbery took place a block away from Bulawayo Central Police Station.
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