Armed robbers attack money changer

FOUR suspected armed robbers pounced on a Beitbridge illegal money changer popularly known as osiphatheleni before robbing him of $4 000, R6 000, $80 bond and a cellphone.

The suspects, who are still at large, were armed with a firearm and electric cables which they used to assault Mr Elliot Zvarova (32) of Dulivhadzimu suburb.

The robbers then dumped Mr Zvarova in a bushy area where he was discovered by a Good Samaritan who rushed him to hospital.

The incident occurred at around 4PM last Wednesday at the Engen Garage along the BeitbridgeBulawayo highway.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident and said no arrests have been made so far.

“I can confirm that we received a report of four men who assaulted and robbed a man of cash at gunpoint. They fled from the scene and investigations are underway,” said Chief Insp Ndebele.

“We continue to urge members of the public to desist from the money changing trade. Keeping cash on them attracts thieves, endangering their lives too,” he said.

Chief Insp Ndebele warned the public to desist from money changing deals saying they risk facing arrest or losing their money to fraudsters.

He said money changing on the streets was illegal and police would not hesitate to arrest such culprits.

A source who preferred anonymity said Mr Zvarova, who was at his usual money changing spot, was approached by a silver Fun Cargo with three passengers on board.

They reportedly lured him into their car on the pretext they wanted to change money.

“During the transaction they told him that their money was not enough and they wanted to collect more cash near the Beitbridge Police complex.

“They drove off with him on board and along the way, a fourth suspect suddenly emerged from the boot and grabbed the victim by the neck, pointing a gun at his head.

“The other suspect took out a piece of cloth and tied him, covering his eyes and mouth” said the source.

“They drove to a bushy area near Limpopo River where they stopped, searched his pockets and took all the cash on him and his cellphone.”

The source said the suspects pulled Mr Zvarova out of the car and tied his hands at the back and his legs with a rope.

“They assaulted him using an electric cable several times all over the body and then drove off from the scene leaving the victim behind with his hands still tied.

“He was then assisted by a Good Samaritan who arrived at the scene and took him to Beitbridge District Hospital where he was treated,” said the source

Police said Engen Garage in Beitbridge has become a regular spot for robberies, warning the public to be exercise care.

In February last year 2018, four men pounced on a money changer at the same spot and robbed him of R8 000 and $750 after assaulting him and firing a shot into the air. — @winnie_masara