HARARE – A Borrowdale businessman is reeling from a series of alleged thefts, with his house maid and gardener the latest to appear in court, accused of stealing a substantial amount of money and goods. Tariro Manda (25) and Wilbert Maambirwi (58) stood before Harare magistrate Mr Tapiwa Kuhudzai, facing charges of theft of trust property. They have been remanded in custody pending a bail hearing.
The complainant in this case is Gift Muzilikazi, a self-employed entrepreneur who owns several clothing shops in Harare’s bustling central business district. Muzilikazi uses his Borrowdale home to store a significant amount of his merchandise, including clothing and shoes, which he keeps in the garage.
According to court documents, Manda and Maambirwi are alleged to have systematically pilfered various items from Muzilikazi’s home between January 2024 and October 2025. The prosecution alleges that the pair stole clothing, shoes, and even cutlery on separate occasions, taking them to their own residences with the intention of reselling them for personal gain.
The alleged scheme was uncovered in September 2025, when Muzilikazi noticed discrepancies and suspected foul play. He promptly reported the matter to the police, leading to an investigation. Detectives subsequently brought Manda and Maambirwi in for questioning, at which point they reportedly confessed to the offences.
Following the admissions, law enforcement officers managed to recover property valued at US$16,000, offering some respite to Muzilikazi.
Second Incident Involving Farm Hand and Maid
Intriguingly, this is not the first time Muzilikazi has been the victim of alleged theft by his domestic staff. Just two months prior, another maid and a farm hand were arrested and brought before the courts, accused of stealing a staggering US$80,000 from him.
Milton Mudimu (24) and Sarah Matemarunda (59) faced theft charges in a separate hearing before the same Harare Magistrate, Mr Tapiwa Kuhudzai. They were also remanded in custody pending their bail application.
The incident that led to their arrest reportedly occurred on August 10, 2025. Muzilikazi, 50, entrusted Mudimu and Matemarunda with the management of his farm while he was away.
The following day, Matemarunda contacted Muzilikazi, informing him that Mudimu had disappeared without explanation. She expressed concern, particularly for the welfare of the chickens on the farm. Muzilikazi’s attempts to contact Mudimu directly were unsuccessful, as his calls went unanswered.
Upon his return to the farm on August 12, Muzilikazi was met with a disturbing scene. He discovered that his bedroom door, which he had secured before his departure, was unlocked. Further investigation revealed that his digital safe, which had been mounted to the wall, had been forcibly removed. A significant amount of cash and valuables were missing.
The stolen items included a substantial sum of US$80,400 in cash, as well as R4,000. In addition to the cash, the thieves also made off with live rounds of ammunition and a collection of foreign currencies, including 300 Yuan, 200 Dirhams, 100 Rupees, and 30 Pounds.
Adding insult to injury, Muzilikazi discovered the empty safe hidden in the boot of his son’s Honda Fit vehicle. The live rounds of ammunition and Zimbabwean passports were also found inside the vehicle.
Muzilikazi immediately alerted the police, who launched an investigation into the matter. Matemarunda was questioned by the authorities.
Under intense questioning, Matemarunda eventually confessed to her involvement in the theft. She led the police to a hidden stash of cash, which she had concealed inside her suitcase. The recovered money included US$12,391, R1,360, 10 Pounds, 50 Rupees, 5 Dirhams, and 100 Yuan.
Matemarunda’s confession implicated Mudimu as the primary perpetrator. It was revealed that Mudimu had already fled the country, crossing the border into South Africa in an attempt to evade arrest.
However, Mudimu’s escape was short-lived. Authorities, with the assistance of Mudimu’s relatives, were able to track him down. He was apprehended after illegally crossing into South Africa and is expected to be extradited back to Zimbabwe to face charges.
The total value of the money stolen in the second incident amounted to US$80,400, R4,000, 300 Yuan, 200 Dirhams, 100 Rupees, and 30 Pounds.
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