By Staff Reporter
Residents of Epworth are living in fear following a fresh wave of violent robberies and attacks that has reportedly left at least three people dead and several others nursing serious injuries in and around the Overspill area since last Friday.
Community members who spoke to Hurumende News Hub said more than six violent incidents have been recorded over the past few days, with victims being robbed, assaulted and left for dead by suspected criminal gangs operating at night.
In one of the incidents, two men were reportedly attacked around 11 pm while taking their vehicle to a car park. The victims were allegedly ambushed by a gang, forced into the back seat of their own vehicle and driven to a bushy area near the Mabvuku turn-off.
Sources familiar with the incident said the pair were severely assaulted before being robbed of money and other valuables and abandoned in the bush.
The two men were reportedly rescued by good Samaritans the following morning and taken to a police base in Sunway City before being rushed to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals for treatment. They are said to be receiving treatment for serious head injuries.
In another incident, a well-known kombi driver was allegedly attacked on Saturday night after leaving friends at a local bar around 9 pm.
Residents said he was picked up near Overspill Shops by unknown assailants travelling in a black Honda Fit.
The attackers allegedly assaulted him before dumping him near Solani and leaving him for dead. He sustained serious head injuries and lost cash, a mobile phone and other valuables. He was later discovered by good Samaritans and taken to hospital for treatment.
A third victim, a vendor, reportedly lost his life after being attacked while walking home on Saturday night after dropping off a kombi at Musandiriri Corner bus stop.
Residents said he sustained severe head injuries from machete and knobkerrie attacks and died before receiving medical assistance.
The latest attacks have reignited fears among residents who say the area is witnessing a return of the violent crime wave that rocked Epworth earlier this year.
In March, at least six people reportedly died in separate incidents linked to violent criminal activity in the area. Among the victims was Zanu PF official Thomas Musandiriri, who was allegedly murdered in the early hours of the morning while on his way to work.
Residents believe the recent attacks bear similarities to the earlier incidents and are calling for urgent intervention from law enforcement authorities.
Speaking to Hurumende News Hub, one police officer on the ground confirmed that the latest incidents are under investigation but referred further questions to the Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson for an official statement.
The officer, however, confirmed that police were investigating an incident involving gunshots believed to be connected to the recent wave of criminal activity.
The attacks have sparked renewed calls for increased police patrols, improved security measures and greater police visibility in Epworth, particularly during the night.
“We are no longer safe moving around after dark. People are being attacked, robbed and left for dead,” said one resident.
As investigations continue, residents say they hope authorities will act swiftly to restore security and bring those responsible to justice before more lives are lost.