Bulawayo Businessman Gunned Down, Robbers Flee With US$10 000

A Bulawayo businessman was gunned down outside his shop on Monday night in a robbery that turned fatal.

The three armed suspects fled with a bag containing US$10 000.

The fatal robbery happened around 11pm on Monday near a service station along JMN Nkomo Street, between Fourth and Third Avenue.

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Businessman Gunned Down

The victim, identified as 52-year-old Tadius Rutanhira, had reportedly just finished work when he was confronted by the suspects.

According to police, the three unidentified men were armed with a pistol and shot Rutanhira before taking the bag containing the cash.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident to The Chronicle as he appealed to members of the public for information that could assist investigators.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information, which may assist in the investigation of a murder and armed robbery case, which occurred near a service station along JMN Nkomo Street, between Fourth and Third Avenue in Bulawayo.

“Three unidentified suspects shot dead the victim, Tadius Rutanhira (52) with a pistol before fleeing with his bag containing US$10 000. The victim, who was a businessperson, had just closed his shop and was walking towards his son’s vehicle who had come to pick him up,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

Shot Twice In The Chest

Rutanhira’s family said he was shot twice in the chest during the robbery.

His brother, Austin Rutanhira, said the family was struggling to come to terms with the manner in which the businessman was killed.

“He was shot dead last night around 11PM. He was 52-years-old and had been a businessman for years. He was married and is survived by four children,” said Austin.

The family is mourning at the deceased’s home at Woodville Plots.

Austin described his brother as someone who played an important role in the family and was regularly approached by relatives seeking advice.

“We have lost a solid man who was a go-to for the family. Everyone who faced a problem or wanted advice would approach him as he had an open-door policy,” he said.

Family Calls For Arrests

The family said it was now relying on the police investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

“We are devastated and heartbroken. The manner in which he was killed is heart-breaking. We are pinning our hopes on the police to do their investigations and arrest them,” said Austin.

“Relatives and elders are gathering, and some are on the way to the late’s home. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.”