Marondera – A massive police investigation is underway following a brazen armed robbery at Alpha Omega Farm in Marondera, the home of tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws. The incident, which saw 20 armed men make off with US$74,100 in cash and other valuables, has cast a shadow over what should have been a time of celebration for the Muteke family, coming just days after Chivayo paid a substantial bride price for his wife, Lucy “Lulu” Muteke.
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 perpetrators and the recovery of the stolen money.
Said Nyathi: “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.”
The robbers proceeded to assault family members, cut burglar screens, and force open doors to gain entry into the main house. In addition to the US$74,100, the suspects stole a pistol, Samsung S24, Samsung S23, and Samsung Galaxy A35 mobile phones, among other valuables.
The ZRP has appealed to the public for any information that may assist in identifying and apprehending the suspects.
Meanwhile, Chivayo has taken to social media to express his outrage and offer a substantial reward for information.
Chivayo wrote on social media:
“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.
If you have information that could assist in this investigation, please immediately contact:
• CID Homicide, Harare: +263 24 2758031
• Detective Chief Inspector Jachi: +263 77 275 3003
• Detective Inspector Mkandla: +263 77 262 9755
• CID Marondera, Detective Chief Inspector Chikomwe: +263 77 222 1143
• CID Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, Detective Inspector Muteweri: +263 77 303 5028
• Police General Headquarters Press and Public Relations (WhatsApp): +263 71 280 0197
• Any nearest police station
Your cooperation and assistance will be CRUCIAL to bringing these offenders to justice ⚖️👮.”
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.
A guard from DM Security who was watchman at the southside guardroom 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.
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, ZimLive heard. A big white truck was seen parked near the property.
The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the Marondera area and the potential involvement of highly organised criminal elements. The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
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