HARARE – Harare is grappling with a surge in armed robberies, with businesses and individuals falling victim to brazen attacks that have resulted in significant financial losses. Police are investigating multiple incidents across the city, urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in apprehending the perpetrators.
One of the most significant incidents involved two employees of Brainscope Investments, who were robbed of a staggering US$56,500 in company funds while en route to the bank. The robbery occurred along Plymouth Road in Southerton, as Yvonne Zulu (29) and the company driver, Simbarashe Chiinze (24), were ambushed by two armed men.
According to reports, the pair were approaching the intersection of Plymouth and Melbourne roads when their vehicle was suddenly blocked by a silver Toyota Fortuner. Two armed men emerged from the Fortuner, brandishing firearms, and swiftly moved to intercept the Brainscope Investments vehicle.
In a swift and violent move, one of the assailants shattered the passenger side window, gaining access to the vehicle. The robber then forcibly seized a bag containing the US$56,500, which had been placed on the passenger seat.
Not content with just the company funds, the robbers also targeted Simbarashe, searching him and stealing his black wallet. The wallet contained his personal identification card and US$1,500 in cash.
After executing the robbery with ruthless efficiency, the criminals hastily returned to their vehicle and sped off, leaving Yvonne and Simbarashe shaken and traumatised.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the incident, stating: “We are investigating an armed robbery case in Southerton. The total value stolen is US$58,000, and unfortunately, nothing has been recovered.”
In a separate incident, a 43-year-old man from Bluffhill was robbed of US$19,340 while on his way to deliver the cash to a finance auditor in Borrowdale. The victim, Simon Chikosi, was accosted by three armed robbers along Harare Drive, near Faber Road.
The robbers, travelling in an unregistered silver Mercedes-Benz, overtook Chikosi’s vehicle and blocked his path. Two of the robbers then emerged from their vehicle, brandishing pistols, and demanded that he hand over the cash.
Faced with the threat of armed violence, Chikosi surrendered his Samsung M14 cell phone and four envelopes containing US$19,200, which he intended to deliver to the auditor.
The robbers then forced Chikosi to move to the passenger seat, with one of the assailants taking control of his vehicle and driving towards Sunridge Shops. As they approached the shops, the robbers abruptly turned right.
Two of the assailants then exited the vehicle, instructing Chikosi to remain calm, before speeding away in their Mercedes-Benz, leaving him stranded and in shock.
Inspector Luckmore Chakanza also confirmed this incident, stating: “Police are investigating an armed robbery in Bluffhill. A motorist lost a total of $19,340 along Harare Drive at around 6 pm.”
Meanwhile, in a separate case highlighting the brutality of some of these crimes, four Glendale-based robbers have been sentenced to jail for their involvement in a violent attack on a fellow resident.
Karagan Garamukanwa, Gladmore Matambo, Josiah Tazivei, and Thabang were each sentenced to four years in prison for attempted murder by Bindura magistrate Elisha Singano last week.
The quartet were found guilty of attempting to kill Makington Mutyavaviri at Tsungubvi bar in Glendale. The incident occurred on October 24 last year, when Mutyavaviri arrived at the bar driving his Mark X vehicle and carrying US$1,800.
According to Prosecutor Edward Katsvairo, the four men, in an attempt to rob Mutyavaviri of his money, deflated the tyres of his vehicle before launching a vicious assault on him.
The convicts continued to assault Mutyavaviri until he lost consciousness, at which point they believed he was dead and fled the scene. Fortunately, Mutyavaviri survived the attack, but the incident highlights the extreme violence that can accompany these robberies.
Police are appealing to members of the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. They are also urging anyone with information about the suspects or the incidents to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigations.
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