One armed robber was left injured while three others were arrested after a police shootout happened in Thorngrove, Bulawayo, yesterday.
The gunshots exchange happened between the police and alleged criminals in Thorngrove on Wednesday night, resulting in one suspect sustaining gunshot wounds and three arrests following an attempted burglary at DA Garage adjacent to the SPCA facility.
Security Guard’s Alertness Triggers Police Response
According to Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the incident began at approximately 8:30 PM when an attentive security guard stationed at the SPCA noticed suspicious activity near the garage’s rear entrance. The guard observed two individuals emerging from the shadows while a white Nissan Note dropped off two additional suspects nearby.
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“Upon investigating the disturbance, the guard discovered the garage’s padlock had been forcibly removed and immediately contacted authorities,” Inspector Msebele stated.
High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Police Shootout
Police units responded swiftly, locating the suspect vehicle approximately 600 meters from the crime scene, heading toward Khami Road. When officers attempted to stop the Nissan Note, the driver allegedly opened fire rather than complying with police instructions.
“Officers were forced to disable the vehicle by shooting out its tires,” Msebele explained. “During the exchange of gunfire, the driver sustained a leg injury.”
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a concealed CZ pistol and gloves beneath the driver’s seat. Meanwhile, back at the garage premises, officers apprehended two additional suspects attempting to hide in the building’s rear after having broken a window. Authorities recovered burglary tools, including a bolt cutter and a pick, at the scene.
The arrested individuals were identified as Wellington Mthunzi (29) of Entumbane, Gift Mwale (42) of Fourwings, and Witness Hlongwane (39) from Mabutho Lower Rangemore. During questioning, two suspects reportedly confessed to planning a robbery targeting cash from the garage offices before being interrupted.
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Police Applaud Security Guard
Inspector Msebele praised the security guard’s quick thinking that led to the foiled robbery attempt.
The injured suspect received medical treatment, while all three arrested individuals remain in custody, facing multiple charges related to the attempted robbery and assault on police officers.
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The post One Injured And Three Arrested After Police Shootout In Bulawayo appeared first on iHarare News.
