A brazen robbery in the heart of Harare’s city centre has left the business community reeling, raising serious concerns about security in the capital. A gang of five individuals, armed with an audacity that belied their numbers, broke into a shop on Leopold Takawira Street in the early hours of July 28th, 2024, making off with a substantial sum of money and leaving a security guard nursing injuries.
The incident, which occurred around 2:30 am, has brought fear through the city’s business community, with many questioning the effectiveness of security measures in place. The robbers, who remain unidentified, targeted a shop located in a busy commercial area, demonstrating a level of confidence that has left many shaken.
The police, in a statement released on X, detailed the harrowing ordeal: “Five unknown suspects attacked the security guard who was on duty at the shop before breaking into the shop. The suspects stole US$10 000 and ZiG 300 cash which was in the safe as well as some documents. Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.”
The robbery on Leopold Takawira Street is just the latest in a string of incidents that have plagued Harare’s city centre in recent months. A growing number of businesses have reported thefts, burglaries, and other criminal activities, raising concerns about Zimbabwe’s overall security.
The lack of street lighting, inadequate police patrols, and a growing sense of impunity among criminals are cited as contributing factors to the rise in crime.
