Marondera – A daring armed robbery at Alpha Omega Farm in Marondera, the home of businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws, has taken a dramatic turn with the arrest of three suspects from Hopley in Harare, and the flight of a police constable allegedly linked to the crime.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the details of the robbery, which occurred in the early hours of March 18th. According to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, a group of 20 unidentified suspects, armed with rifles, pistols, bolt-cutters, machetes, and iron bars, attacked the farm’s security personnel at approximately 1am.
Commissioner Nyathi stated, “20 suspects who are yet to be identified and armed with rifles, pistols, bolt-cutters, machetes and iron bars attacked the farm security personnel. The suspects went on to assault family members, cut burglar screens and forced open doors. They then gained entry into the family house.”
Details emerging from the police investigation suggest a meticulously planned and executed operation. Police learnt that the farm is guarded by three armed guards from a private security company and a fourth who is directly employed by the Mutekes.
One guard from DM Security told police that just after 1AM he was grabbed from behind by a man and he quickly noticed a group of about 19 men armed with rifles and pistols, and some carrying bolt cutters, machetes and iron bars, approaching. The gang assaulted the guard while demanding to know where the other guards were located before his hands were tied from the back with cable ties. The gang entered the farm house yard and quickly subdued a second guard who was disarmed of his CBC shotgun. A third guard keeping watch at the main entrance was struck several times on the head with iron bars before the gang entered the house by cutting off a padlock securing the burglar screen with a bolt cutter.
Lulu’s brother, Gerald Muteke, 37, one of the occupants in the house, met the robbers in the passageway and they demanded cash. He quickly handed over $18,000, his Sarsilmaz pistol, a Samsung S21 and Samsung S24. The invaders also opened a bedroom occupied by Vimbai Muteke, 43, who handed over $1,100, her mobile phone and keys to the safe which was stored in the main bedroom. The robbers seized $55,000 from the safe, police were told.
Police were called to Alpha Omega Farm after gunshots rang out and Chivayo’s father-in-law Christopher Mudzingwa Muteke sent an SOS to a local farmers group. Some farmers turned up to assist but quickly retreated after realising it was a “military-style operation” upon seeing a large group of well armed and very organised men. A big white truck was seen parked near the property.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the case, a Constable Mukuva from Kopje police station has allegedly gone on the run after being linked to the armed raid. Law enforcement sources revealed that the constable is suspected of involvement in the robbery, which targeted the US$75,000 that was reportedly part of the cash Chivayo paid as lobola for his wife Lulu Muteke.
The three suspects from Hopley in Harare were apprehended on Thursday by detectives from CID Stores and Business, and are expected to make their first court appearance on Saturday.
In response to the audacious crime, Chivayo, known for his close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his lucrative government contracts, has offered a US$100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the remaining perpetrators and the recovery of the stolen money.
Chivayo expressed his outrage on social media, stating:
“USD100,000 CASH REWARD OFFERED…
“It is with UTMOST REGRET that I share a very UNFORTUNATE incident that occurred at my in-laws’ residence in Marondera during the early hours of this morning , 18th March 2025. According to information confirmed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police , a case of armed robbery is under investigation involving 20 suspects who UNLAWFULLY gained access to my in-law’s residence at Alpha and Omega Farm and stole a significant sum of MONEY and various valuable items.
“I STRONGLY CONDEMN such cowardly criminal conduct and kindly request the public to cooperate with the police by providing any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of these offenders.
“To support this PUBLIC effort , I am offering a reward of USD 100,000 in hard CASH to anyone who will provide CREDIBLE information leading to the positive IDENTIFICATION of ANY or ALL of these SHAMELESS robbers , their residential locations or other significant particulars and ultimately their ARREST. This reward is offered on a NO QUESTIONS ASKED basis , provided any of the culprits are identified and apprehended,” said Chivayo.
The US$74,100 seized in the armed robbery was reportedly part of the US$125,000 Chivayo paid as lobola (bride price) for Lucy “Lulu” Muteke more than a week ago. While Chivayo was rumoured to have paid $300,000 in lobola, he publicly stated it was nearer $20,000, although he confirmed sending $75,000 to his in-laws to prepare for the ceremony.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a manhunt for armed robbery suspect Luke Zinyengere, 29, who escaped from custody at the Harare Magistrates Court on Friday after allegedly smuggling in a firearm and engaging in a shootout with prison officers before hijacking a vehicle.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident in a statement, appealing to the public for information on Zinyengere’s whereabouts. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that investigations are being conducted in connection with the escape from lawful custody and alleged armed robbery incident of a Mazda Demio vehicle at Harare Magistrate Court on March 21, 2025,” Nyathi said. “The police assure the public that comprehensive investigations are underway to establish what actually happened in this incident.”
Another suspect, Tafadzwa Marondera, who also attempted to flee, was quickly apprehended after jumping over the palisade fence surrounding the court. Authorities have not yet disclosed how Zinyengere managed to obtain the weapon while in custody. The incident has raised serious concerns about security protocols at the courts and the handling of high-risk suspects. Police have urged members of the public to report any information that may lead to Zinyengere’s arrest.
