A prominent Gwanda businessman and farmer Mr Tariro Maphosa has been killed while his wife is battling for life at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) after the couple was shot at during an armed robbery outside their home in Jacaranda suburb last night.

Mr Maphosa owned a number of retail outlets in Gwanda, including Zebrine supermarket and butchery.

According to a family member,  Mr Maphosa who was in the company of his wife and daughter were attacked around eight in the evening by two suspected robbers.

The robbers, a male and female, are said to have pounced on the trio as they were opening the gate and demanded cash.

Mr Maphosa told the robbers that he did not have money and was shot twice in the chest while his wife was shot on the leg.

After committing the offence, the robbers are said to have disappeared from the scene.

The injured couple was rushed to Gwanda provincial hospital where Mr Maphosa died on admission.

His wife was referred to the UBH for further medical treatment.

Gwanda town mayor Councillor Knowledge Ndlovu expressed shock at the death of the businessman and urged police and the community to work together in fighting crime.

Robberies of businessmen and miners have been on the increase  in Matabeleland South province with a Gwanda mine owner having been recently shot on both legs by armed robbers who demanded US$20 000.