A Chitungwiza pastor was brutally assaulted and robbed of cash and valuables by three assailants in the early hours of the fateful day, leaving the community shaken.
Pastor Lebraity Makuni, 28, of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe, Praise and Worship Centre Assembly, was asleep in his bedroom when the robbers struck. The trio was armed with an iron bar then smashed their way into the house through the kitchen door at around midnight.
Pastor Makuni was awoken to the sound of the break-in and confronted by the assailants. He was then manhandled, his mouth stuffed with cotton wool, and his hands bound with a computer cable. The robbers who were intent on finding valuables assaulted him repeatedly with an unknown object while demanding cash.
The robbers ransacked the house, eventually discovering US$300 stashed under the mattress. They also made off with a Tecno handset and left Pastor Makuni bound and injured.
After the robbers fled, Pastor Makuni managed to attract the attention of a neighbour who untied him and removed the cotton wool from his mouth. While he did not suffer any visible injuries, he was rushed to Chitungwiza Hospital, complaining of pain in his left ribs, right shoulder, right thigh, and lower right limb.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the incident, stating that Pastor Makuni had lost a total of US$7500. “Police are investigating a robbery case involving a clergyman who was assaulted and lost cash and valuables,” said Insp Chakanza. “He was rushed to Chitungwiza Hospital for treatment.”
Police are urging anyone with information regarding the robbery to come forward and assist with their investigations. They are also advising residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property, such as installing security systems and being vigilant about their surroundings.
