Motorists Warned After Suspected Road Ambush Incidents Along Bulawayo Road and Near Jamaica Inn
Motorists are raising alarm over suspected criminal ambush attempts along major highways after two separate drivers reported dangerous incidents involving objects being thrown at moving vehicles during the night. One driver recounted a frightening experience along Bulawayo Road near Whitehouse shortly after midnight while travelling alone from Redcliff.
According to the motorist, the incident occurred at around 12:50 a.m. near Meru Service Station as he approached Whitehouse. The driver said he noticed four suspicious men positioned on both sides of the road, all allegedly dressed in dark clothing.
“Suddenly, one of them threw an object at my car. It sounded like a tyre burst coming from behind,” the motorist said.
Although shocked, he chose not to stop and instead slowed down slightly while assessing the situation.
The driver said he then noticed two of the men running towards his vehicle while another pair appeared to deliberately walk slowly across the road ahead, seemingly attempting to force him to reduce speed further.
“I became more alert and hooted at them, but they did not move,” he said.
According to the motorist, another object was then thrown beneath the vehicle, causing unusual noises from the car.
Moments later, a third object reportedly struck the rear spare wheel instead of smashing through the rear window.
“At that point, I realised this could be an attempted robbery or attack,” he said.
The driver said he eventually pulled over at what he believed was a safer location, but several men allegedly ran towards the vehicle. He responded by firing warning shots into the air, causing the suspects to flee. The motorist later discovered only minor damage underneath the front bumper.
In a separate incident believed to have occurred near Jamaica Inn, another driver reported that an unidentified object smashed into the windscreen of their vehicle at around 7:20 p.m.
The victim said they did not stop at the scene and instead drove directly to a nearby tollgate to report the matter. The driver praised two police officers, Constables Basvi and Zikali, for their quick response.
“They immediately contacted the Melfort Police Base so that the area could be patrolled right away,” the motorist said.
The incidents have heightened concerns over possible highway robbery tactics in isolated areas during late-night hours.
Criminal gangs operating along highways are known in some cases to use stones, spikes, or other objects to force motorists to stop before robbing them. Motorists are being urged to remain vigilant, avoid stopping in isolated areas after suspicious impacts or road obstructions, and immediately report incidents to the nearest police station or tollgate.
Bulawayo Road robbery attempt
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