Armed robbers storm Zimbabwe high court, injure 2 police
By Olayemi Esan
Eight armed robbers stormed the Bulawayo High Court in Zimbabwe on Sunday and injured two police officers as they tried to break open the registry safe using a grinder, state media reported on Monday.
The robbers gained entry into the court’s criminal registry after attacking and disarming police officers manning the premises.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway.
The incident occurred at about 4 a.m. and the suspects were reportedly armed with pistols.
Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second largest city.
“We are investigating an armed robbery case which occurred at the Bulawayo High Court, Sunday morning at 4 a.m, Nyathi said.
He said after failing in their attempts, they tied the hands and legs of one of the police officers.
The officer who sustained some serious injuries was taken to hospital.
Judicial Service Commission spokesperson Rumbidzai Takawira said the commission had deployed a team from Harare to assess the situation.
“`We have a team that is going there to ascertain what really transpired and we can only have information tomorrow (Monday),” said Takawira.
A legal expert who declined to be named said an exhibit safe room can contain files or prosecution documents for suspects appearing before the courts.
“A crime registry can store exhibits which include weapons used by criminals in committing crimes.
“The exhibits are very vital in the prosecution process and probably these robbers wanted to steal these exhibits or destroy important documents,” said the expert.
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