Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – A 30-year-old illegal forex dealer was shot in the stomach and robbed of large sums of foreign currency after disembarking from a commuter omnibus in Luveve high density on Monday night, police said.

The shooting took place at around 9:30 PM near Maplanka shops.

Bulawayo Province police spokesperson, assistant inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the victim was recovering at Mpilo Hospital.

The suspect reportedly made off with US$5,700, Botswana Pula 2,000, South Africa Rand 1,400 and a Samsung A13 cellphone.

“The complainant who is self-employed as an illegal forex dealer was coming from Bulawayo Central Business District where he operates from and heading to his place of residence,” Msebele said.

“He disembarked from a commuter omnibus at Maplanka Shops and he noticed that the suspect also disembarked at the same location.

“The complainant began walking along Intemba Road and he stopped to allow the suspect, who appeared to be talking on his cellphone, to pass, as he had become suspicious of him,” she explained.

Msebele said the suspect suddenly pulled out an unidentified pistol and shot the victim once in the stomach.

“The complainant fell on the ground and started bleeding profusely. The suspect took advantage and searched the complainant, took his bag containing his valuables and cash before he fled,” she said.

She appealed to members of the public who might have information leading to the suspect`s arrest to report at their nearest police station.

“We would like to warn members of the public against carrying large sums of cash, especially at night as they risk being robbed. We advise them to bank their money or keep it at their homes in a safe place,” Msebele warned.

The incident comes amid a surge in armed robberies across Bulawayo province.

Recently, police shot and killed six suspected robbers following a shootout along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road.

The suspects, who had spent the day monitoring a shop in Insuza while drinking beer, later attacked the owners armed with pistols, knives and axes.

They tied the victims’ hands with electric cables, covered their faces with blankets, then demanded gold and cash.

All six suspects died while receiving treatment at United Bulawayo Hospital.

New Ziana