Harare – A palpable sense of fear continues to grip the residents of Harare, particularly in the suburbs of Mabelreign, Marlborough, and Westgate, despite concerted efforts by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to apprehend a notorious gang of armed robbers. The release of clear photographs of suspected culprits, far from bringing reassurance, has instead highlighted a perplexing lack of public cooperation, leaving communities vulnerable and questioning why these individuals remain at large.
More than a week has passed since the initial photograph of one of the suspected armed robbers was circulated by authorities. This was followed by the release of images of two more individuals, believed to be part of the same syndicate, captured on CCTV outside a Marlborough residence. The clarity of these images led to widespread expectation of swift arrests, yet a breakthrough remains elusive, deepening the anxiety among those living under the shadow of these violent crimes.
“We were so sure that there would be some developments by now, especially after the photos of these guys began to circulate, and there was an air of relief in the community,” recounted a Marlborough resident, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns. “I mean, the point is that someone, somewhere, knows these guys whose photos have been released and we thought these people would come forward and help the police.”
The resident further articulated the community’s bewilderment: “I’m not saying that we expected that help to come from their family members but they have neighbours, they have friends, they live in communities where they are known. They have friends from school, these guys know their names, these guys know where they live, these guys know the families of these armed robbers and surely you expect someone to tell the police some important information which could help them find these guys. But that hasn’t been the case and, to some of us, that’s a bit of a surprise but we can only wait and hope for the best because I can tell you my brother that we are still living in fear.”
This sentiment is echoed across the affected areas, where the gang’s reign of terror has been marked by extreme violence. The police have confirmed that the suspects, believed to be a group of four, have been systematically targeting churches, schools, and private residences since February 2026. Their modus operandi involves using force to breach premises, subdue victims, and abscond with cash and other valuables. Disturbingly, in some cases currently under investigation, sexual offences are also believed to have occurred, adding another layer of horror to their crimes.
The gravity of the situation was tragically underscored by the death of a security guard at Hallingbury Primary School in Mabelreign. The guard succumbed to injuries after being brutally attacked by robbers. This incident, which occurred in mid-April 2026, was the second fatal robbery-related case in Ward 17 within a mere fortnight, as confirmed by Ward 17 Councillor Reverend Happymore Gotora. “Today we woke up to sad news once again in our Ward as we lost a life due to robbers. A security guard who was manning Hallingbury Primary School was severely assaulted by robbers and later died at the hospital,” stated Clr Gotora, highlighting the profound impact on the community.
Councillor Gotora expressed the growing panic among residents in suburbs such as Sunridge, Greencroft, Westgate, and Mabelreign, fearing that the criminals might soon extend their violent attacks to private homes. Following the tragic death, he visited Hallingbury Primary School and subsequently engaged with Assistant Inspector Shiri, the deputy officer-in-charge at Mabelreign Police Station. He was assured that police would intensify night patrols, beefing up their teams with personnel from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Dog Section, and Support Unit.
Despite these assurances and increased police visibility, the underlying fear persists. The Marlborough resident noted, “Of course, there is a big police presence now and at night the police are now visible, which is a plus, but as long as these guys are out there, we will always have this fear that they will strike again.” The resident also speculated on the gang’s focus on their neighbourhood: “I am not sure why they decided to concentrate in our neighbourhood, some are saying it was a phase, but maybe they have a reason, it looks like these guys were familiar to our area.”
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, has been at the forefront of the police’s public appeals. He confirmed that the ZRP is investigating a series of robbery cases across Mabelreign and the Greater Harare Suburban District since February 2026, and that “Operations are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects.” He urged the public to contact Mabelreign Police Station on (0242) 305 651 or Harare Operations on (0242) 748836, or the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, or via WhatsApp 0712 800 197, assuring that all information would be treated confidentially.
The broader context of armed robberies in Harare reveals a disturbing trend. Just weeks prior, in early April 2026, four armed robbery suspects were killed and two others arrested following a police shootout in Warren Park, Harare. These individuals were linked to a string of business robberies across the city, including a significant incident at Kuwadzana 2 Shopping Centre in February 2026, where goods worth approximately US$500.00 were stolen. Furthermore, the ZRP has intensified its operations against armed robbers, leading to the arrest of nine suspected individuals, including three serving members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), for their involvement in various robbery cases. These arrests underscore the complex and pervasive nature of the armed robbery crisis plaguing the capital.
In a bizarre turn of events, the public’s reaction to the released photographs has not been entirely helpful. Instead of providing leads, some readers, predominantly women, appeared to be more impressed by the physical appearance of one of the suspects. One online commenter, Yemurai Karen Bridge, even dubbed him the “HANDSOME ROBBER,” writing, “Yuhwii ngavanake va criminal vacho” – a comment that, while perhaps intended lightly, highlights a troubling distraction from the serious nature of the crimes.
Inspector Chakanza continues to appeal to the public for vigilance, advising residents to strengthen home and community security, avoid keeping large sums of cash at home, and report any suspicious activity. The police remain committed to public safety and security, but the ongoing struggle to identify and apprehend these “ghosts” of Harare’s criminal underworld suggests a deeper societal challenge. Until these individuals are brought to justice, the residents of Mabelreign, Marlborough, and Westgate will continue to live in fear, their sense of security eroded by the persistent threat of violent crime.