Harare – A company in Harare’s Workington industrial area was targeted by armed robbers on Thursday, with the criminals making off with a staggering US$120,400 in cash. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the incident and is appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.
According to a police statement, “Police are investigating a case of robbery which occurred on 27 February 2025 at a company along Lytton Road, Workington. Five unknown suspects attacked a security guard who was on duty at the company before gaining entry into the offices where they stole US$120,400 cash. Anyone with information is urged to report at any nearest police station.”
This incident is part of a growing trend of armed robberies targeting businesses and homes across the country. Many Zimbabweans are now opting to keep their money in company vaults and even their own bedrooms, driven by a lack of trust in the banking sector and fears of sudden, disruptive policy changes by the government regarding currency and financial institutions.
The surge in armed crime has prompted a controversial response from the police, who have increasingly resorted to summary executions of suspected armed robbers upon encounter. This hard-line approach has divided public opinion, with some supporting the tough stance as a necessary deterrent, while others condemn it as a violation of human rights.
In a separate development, police in Bulawayo have apprehended three suspected machete-wielding robbers believed to be part of an organised syndicate terrorising residents of the city.
Aaron Gatsheni (38) from Gwanda, Abel Munkuli (20) from Binga, and Emanuel Moyo (19) from Filabusi recently appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Joseph Mabeza, facing charges of armed robbery. They have been remanded in custody until 12 March.
Prosecutor Ms Siphiwe Mhlanga informed the court that the trio was apprehended by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) homicide squad following a tip-off from a member of the public. The arrests relate to a robbery committed on 23 February at approximately 10pm, when the suspects targeted the home of Bhekimpilo Ncube, stealing valuables worth R2,000.
Ms Mhlanga detailed the coordinated nature of the attack. Two of the suspects positioned themselves at separate windows, while the third knocked on Ncube’s bedroom door.
“The complainant, who was asleep, woke up and asked who was there, but received no response,” she told the court.
After approximately 10 minutes, the suspect at the door forced a machete blade between the door and its frame, with the tip protruding into the bedroom. He then threatened to stab Ncube while demanding money. Simultaneously, the two suspects at the windows threatened to kill him as he begged them not to inflict harm.
The court heard that one of the suspects, armed with a machete, then forced the bedroom door open, stole Ncube’s LG cellphone, and fled with his accomplices. Ncube, who recognised two of the suspects as residents of a neighbouring plot, alerted a neighbour and reported the incident to the police the following day.
Acting on another tip-off from the public, police ambushed and arrested the trio.
“The third accused was found in possession of the stolen cellphone, which the complainant positively identified. The second accused was found with a machete with a wooden handle, and the complainant identified the first and second accused as participants in the robbery,” said Ms Mhlanga.
