Police rescued six workers from the Crystal Lounge club in Bulawayo on Sunday after armed thieves locked them inside. The robbers stole US$4300 in cash before leaving the staff trapped. They secured the building from the outside to make it appear closed to anyone passing. Club owner Phathisani Nkomo called the police after receiving a message from an employee whose phone went silent afterward.
Armed officers arrived with rifles, pistols, and protective gear to handle the crisis. They blocked Robert Mugabe Street between 9th and 11th Avenues during the operation. Police broke the entrance lock and climbed onto the roof to see inside. They freed the scared workers as people watched from across the street. The criminals had already escaped before police entered.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said officers believe someone with inside knowledge helped plan the theft. Investigators continue working to find those responsible for the crime. Nyathi mentioned police have solved several recent robbery cases in city neighborhoods. At nearly the same time, officers stopped another robbery attempt at a nearby sports bar where someone carried a fake gun.
Armed officers arrived with rifles, pistols, and protective gear to handle the crisis. They blocked Robert Mugabe Street between 9th and 11th Avenues during the operation. Police broke the entrance lock and climbed onto the roof to see inside. They freed the scared workers as people watched from across the street. The criminals had already escaped before police entered.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said officers believe someone with inside knowledge helped plan the theft. Investigators continue working to find those responsible for the crime. Nyathi mentioned police have solved several recent robbery cases in city neighborhoods. At nearly the same time, officers stopped another robbery attempt at a nearby sports bar where someone carried a fake gun.
