Harare – Notorious theft suspect Romeo Kurai Pemba (39), a name already etched in police records from a 2015 conviction, has once again found himself on the wrong side of the law. This time, he stands accused of an audacious crime: breaking into multiple government offices, including those under the Office of the President and Cabinet, and making off with property valued at over US$23,000.
Pemba’s alleged spree targeted high-security government offices located in Mukwati and Kaguvi Buildings between June and September 2025. The targeted offices included those belonging to the Office of the President and Cabinet, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Wellness, and ZimStat.
The State alleges that Pemba employed unknown tools to force open office doors, gaining access to valuable electronic equipment. Laptops, CPUs, monitors, and other items were allegedly pilfered from the targeted departments. Several items have since been positively identified by the affected departments, confirming the extent of the alleged theft.
Pemba was apprehended on October 2, 2025, following an extensive investigation led by the CID Stores and Business Unit in Harare. The arrest came after detectives pieced together evidence linking him to the crimes.
According to police, Pemba was captured on CCTV committing the crime and the footage is held as an exhibit. The police remand request states that “The accused person was captured on CCTV committing the crime and the footage is held as an exhibit. He led to the recovery of part of the stolen property and indicated how he committed the crime. Fingerprints uplifted at the scene matched those of the accused.”
Pemba allegedly led detectives to the recovery of part of the stolen property, valued at US$1,400. This recovery, however, represents only a fraction of the total US$23,020 worth of goods believed to have been stolen.
He appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai, who remanded him in custody after he pleaded to all nine counts of unlawful entry. His plea recording is expected to continue on Tuesday before sentencing.
During the court appearance, police strongly opposed bail, citing Pemba’s previous conviction and the high risk of him absconding. Detective Assistant Inspector Christopher Lloyd Tarenyika argued that Pemba has no fixed address and could easily abscond or interfere with witnesses if granted bail.
“The accused person has known previous convictions under CRB HREP 10833/15,” Tarenyika said. “He is facing a serious offence which, if convicted, attracts a lengthy custodial sentence. There is overwhelming evidence linking him to the crime, and if granted bail, he may abscond or interfere with witnesses.”
Pemba’s latest arrest adds to his growing record of theft-related offences. Police say he was convicted in 2016 following similar allegations. Investigations into related cases are ongoing, with at least 15 witnesses expected to testify.
The charges against Pemba fall under Section 131(1)(a) as read with Section 131(2)(e) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], which covers aggravated unlawful entry. This section of the law carries a potentially lengthy custodial sentence upon conviction.
As Pemba remains in custody pending his next court appearance, the investigation continues to unfold. The recovery of the remaining stolen property and the testimonies of the 15 witnesses will be crucial in determining the full extent of Pemba’s alleged crimes and the ultimate outcome of the case. The nation watches with bated breath as the justice system takes its course in this high-profile case involving a veteran thief and the security of government offices.
The question on everyone’s mind is how a known theft suspect could breach the security of such sensitive locations, including those under the direct purview of the President’s office. This incident raises serious concerns about security protocols within government buildings and the need for a thorough review to prevent future breaches.
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