A Methodist Church pastor, Reverend Norman Mbwizhu, 32, was robbed at knifepoint on Sunday evening in Budiriro, Harare, losing valuable possessions including his priestly gowns and a significant sum of money.
The incident, which occurred around 7:30 pm, highlights the escalating crime rates affecting even those in positions of religious authority.
Reverend Mbwizhu, who serves at the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe located along Coronation Road in Greendale, had been visiting Budiriro and was making his way home when he accepted a lift in a Toyota Auris.
He boarded the vehicle intending to travel towards the Harare central business district (CBD). Initially, the driver appeared to be alone, with Reverend Mbwizhu taking a seat in the back.
However, the seemingly innocuous journey took a sinister turn shortly after departure. A few metres down the road, the driver picked up two additional passengers, who strategically entered the vehicle through different rear doors, effectively trapping the man of God between them. This carefully orchestrated manoeuvre clearly demonstrated premeditation and a calculated plan to rob the unsuspecting priest.
The situation escalated dramatically at the High Glen roundabout. The driver brought the vehicle to a halt, and the two other passengers revealed their true intentions. They produced a sharp object, threatening Mbwizhu and demanding his possessions. The priest, faced with a clear and present danger, had no choice but to comply with their demands.
The robbers systematically plundered Mbwizhu’s belongings. They seized his bag, which contained his precious priestly gowns – symbolic garments representing his faith and vocation.
They then thoroughly searched his pockets, confiscating a Huawei P20 cellphone, a Samsung tablet, a wallet, and a substantial amount of cash, totalling US$536. The brazen attack left the priest shaken, robbed not only of his material possessions but also of his sense of security.
After the robbery, the assailants callously abandoned mufundisi Mbwizhu at GMB Aspindale before speeding away. The priest, left alone and vulnerable, was forced to seek help and report the incident to the authorities. Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the details of the robbery.
“Police are investigating a robbery case where a church priest lost his belongings in Budiriro,” Inspector Chakanza stated.
He detailed the circumstances surrounding the crime, explaining that “He had been offered transport.”
The inspector further clarified the extent of the priest’s losses, stating that “The accused persons dumped the complainant at GMB Aspindale and drove off. The complainant lost a total of US$536 and nothing was recovered.”
The targeting of a religious figure adds a layer of concern. The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
