Harare – A staggering US$280,000 was pilfered from a residence in Harare’s Madokero suburb on Friday, in a bold burglary that underscores the escalating levels of criminality plaguing Zimbabwe. The incident has once again cast a spotlight on the growing trend of individuals keeping large sums of cash at home, rather than depositing it in banks.
The victim, whose identity has not been released, had a substantial amount of United States dollars stashed in his wardrobe instead of entrusting it to a financial institution.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the incident, stating: “The ZRP is investigating a case of unlawful entry into premises and theft that occurred in Madokero, Harare, on May 30, 2025. A 39-year-old man lost US$ 280,000 in cash after an unknown suspect broke into his house and stole a small bag containing the money, which was in the wardrobe in his bedroom.”
The Madokero theft is symptomatic of a broader trend of armed robberies and large-scale thefts that have been on the rise across Zimbabwe in recent years. This increase in crime is partly attributed to a growing preference among businesspeople and individuals to keep significant amounts of money at home, driven by a lack of confidence in the country’s banking system and concerns over currency instability.
The NPA urged members of the public to remain alert and vigilant, stating, “We continue to fight against robbery and motor vehicle theft.”
In another case, A HARARE man, accused of kidnapping and violently assaulting a Mabvuku resident before robbing him of US$800 and other valuables at gunpoint, appeared in court on Friday and was remanded in custody.
Fredrick Chiraya, also known as Nhata, appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa, facing kidnapping and attempted murder charges.
He is set to appear in court again today for a bail hearing.
According to the State, the incident occurred on May 9, 2025 at around 11am, when Chiraya and his accomplices, who are still at large, allegedly devised a plan to abduct Christopher Makamba.
As part of their plan, the accused and his accomplices drove to Kamunhu Shopping Centre in Mabvuku, Harare, in an unregistered grey Toyota Fortuner.
There, they apprehended Makamba, handcuffed him and blindfolded him with a sack before shoving him into their vehicle.
The gang searched his pockets, stole US$800, his driver’s licence, national ID and passport.
When Makamba’s friend, Tawanda Zivanai, tried to intervene, the assailants reportedly threatened him with a firearm.
Inside the speeding vehicle, the gang repeatedly stepped on Makamba’s head. Upon reaching a bushy area near Mhumhurwi Mountain in Shamva, they removed the handcuffs and blindfold before viciously assaulting him with iron bars and batons.
Fearing for his life, Makamba pretended to lose consciousness.
According to the State, Makamba was able to identify Chiraya when the latter removed his leg irons.
After the assault, the gang abandoned him in the remote area, where he was later found and rescued by a good Samaritan.
Makamba was taken to Kopje Police Station and referred to Marondera Hospital for medical treatment.
A formal police report was subsequently filed at Mabvuku Police Station. On May 29 detectives from CID Homicide received a tip-off that Chiraya was at the Harare Magistrates Court.
Acting swiftly, they arrested him, leading to his court appearance.
Last week, A man from Domboshava had his joy turned to terror after he was robbed of his brand new Toyota Corolla, bought for US$2,000 (approx. R37,000), just hours after he brought it home.
According to a statement released by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA) on 30 May 2025, the victim and his wife were confronted by robbers on New Year’s Eve—31 December 2024—at around 8:00pm.
“Blessed Bowa (26) and accomplices (who are still at large) forced their way into the victim’s homestead in Domboshava,” the NPA said. “They threatened the victim and his wife with a gun, demanding the recently purchased Toyota Corolla.”
The victim’s wife, fearing for their lives, handed over the car keys and the registration book. The robbers didn’t stop there. “The victim later discovered that his wallet, containing US$357 (about R6,600), his national identity card, driver’s licence, and other important cards were also taken,” the NPA added.
The vehicle had just been bought that day. What started as a celebration of success ended in fear and loss.
On 1 March 2025—two months later—Bowa contacted the victim pretending to be a Good Samaritan. “He inquired about a machete that was in the car and confirmed he had seen Tonderai’s wallet,” reads the NPA bulletin. “The victim reported the incident to ZRP Chinamhora.”
Bowa was caught on 20 March 2025 while driving the stolen car at Zimbiru Business Centre. He fled with the keys but was later arrested.
“Bowa was convicted of robbery at the Harare Magistrates’ Court,” said the NPA. “He was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment, with 2 years suspended on condition of good behaviour, and 5 months suspended upon restitution to the victims.”
The car has since been recovered.
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