AK-47 brandishing MaShurugwi besiege Fort Rixon village
Sunday News yesterday visited the area where some of the villagers and those who were affected said they are still trying to come to terms with what happened when the gun-totting robbers pounced.
Businesswoman Ms Raviro Mabhugu who was one of the victims said since the incident she has failed to sleep properly and the episodes keep flashing in her mind.
“These men came to our home and called my name Tete, as I am known here.
“They demanded us to open and said they wanted cash. We rejected and they started to forcibly hit the roof and the door before gaining entry. When they forcibly opened, they held us at gun point and demanded cash. I tried to call out that mbava mbava but they beat us until we realised that they would not leave until we give them cash,” said Ms Mabhugu.
“There were four of them inside and some were outside. They got away with $500 cash and after that they attacked a passerby.”
Another villager Ms Maria Mhlanga said all along the area was peaceful and they never thought that the “MaShurugwi” will pounce on them.
“We are hearing stories of these gangs and now that they are here, we are fearing for our lives. The police are trying their best but Government should stand up and address the issue. Schools are opening and now we fear for our children, they can be attacked,” said Ms Mhlanga.
The villagers said although the attack last week was the most violent, it was not the first.
Ms Mhlanga said on 23 December another gang which was armed with machetes robbed four shops at Riverside Business Centre.
“They have not been caught as far as we know, the whole village is now living in fear, we are not sure when they will come back, please, please, let those in authority help us,” she pleaded.
The incident comes at a time when the country is experiencing a spate of gang attacks especially around mining towns.
The violence is perpetrated by rival gangs who have earned a moniker “MaShurugwi” who often attack their victims using machetes.
The attacks which started in Midlands have spread to other areas especially in gold hotspots like some part of Matabeleland South.