HARARE – In a chilling incident that underscores a worrying trend of violent crime, four armed robbers recently targeted the Celebration Church in Westgate, making off with US$500 and two laptops. The brazen attack, which saw security guards overpowered and assaulted, highlights the escalating challenges faced by institutions and individuals across Zimbabwe in the face of a persistent criminal threat.
The robbery at Celebration Church unfolded with alarming precision. The assailants, armed with both a pistol and a rifle, managed to gain entry to the church premises. Their first objective was to neutralise the security presence. They swiftly overpowered two security guards, binding their hands and legs with wires and electrical cables before confining them to the guard room. The guards were subjected to a brutal assault, being bashed with a knobkerrie during the ordeal.
With the security personnel incapacitated, the robbers proceeded to the church’s main office. Using an unidentified tool, they forced their way into the office, where they then broke open a steel cabinet. Inside the cabinet, they discovered a cash safe containing US$500, which they successfully blasted open. In addition to the cash, the criminals also seized two HP laptops. The audacity of the crime extended to the personal belongings of the security guards, from whom the robbers stole US$30 and two Itel mobile phones.
The alarm was only raised much later when a Safeguard driver arrived at the church and discovered the bound guards, subsequently freeing them. Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the incident, stating, “Police are investigating an armed robbery case at church premises in Westgate. The security guards sustained minor injuries and are in stable condition. The total value stolen is US$620, and nothing has been recovered as of yet. A live round was found in the guard room where the security guards were bound.” Inspector Chakanza also urged church members and the wider community to remain vigilant.
This incident is not an isolated occurrence but rather a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of armed robberies plaguing Zimbabwe. Recent statistics paint a grim picture, with police recording over 1,200 armed robbery cases in 2025 alone. This translates to an average of approximately 100 armed robbery cases per month, indicating a significant and ongoing challenge for law enforcement and public safety.
Churches, once considered sanctuaries, have increasingly become targets for criminal elements. In a separate, more financially devastating incident, a church in Goodhope suburb, Harare, was robbed of a staggering US$54,000. According to police spokesperson Paul Nyathi, this robbery occurred around 23:00 on October 31′ While the exact year is not specified in the available report, the substantial sum involved underscores the vulnerability of religious institutions holding cash or valuable assets.
Another notable case involved a robbery gang that pounced on a church in Harare, making off with US$8,000 cash. This incident, reported on May 12, 2025, involved daring robbers who attacked a security guard and a congregant. The repeated targeting of churches suggests that criminals perceive them as soft targets, potentially holding significant amounts of cash from offerings and donations, and often with less robust security measures compared to commercial establishments.
The broader context of armed robberies in Zimbabwe reveals a complex and evolving criminal landscape. In November 2024, five suspects were arrested in connection with a spate of robberies in Harare, including one at Dinwoo Investments where US$30,000 was stolen’ This indicates organised criminal activity and the involvement of gangs in these high-value heists. The police have been actively working to apprehend these criminals, with some successes reported, such as the arrest of a church robber at a traditional healer’s (n’anga’s) place’
The presence of firearms, as seen in the Celebration Church robbery with a pistol and a rifle, is a common and disturbing feature of these crimes. The use of violence, including the beating of security guards with a knobkerrie, further illustrates the dangerous nature of these encounters for victims. The discovery of a live round at the scene of the Celebration Church robbery serves as a chilling testament to the potential for lethal force.
Authorities continue to appeal for public cooperation in combating this surge in violent crime. The call for vigilance from Inspector Chakanza is a recurring theme from law enforcement officials who are grappling with the scale of the problem. The impact of these robberies extends beyond financial loss, instilling fear and insecurity within communities and undermining the sense of safety that religious institutions traditionally provide.
The government and law enforcement agencies face immense pressure to curb this escalating crime wave. Enhanced security measures, increased police presence, and more effective intelligence gathering are crucial steps in protecting citizens and institutions. For churches, this might necessitate investing in improved physical security, such as reinforced doors, alarm systems, and professional security personnel, despite potential financial constraints.
The incidents at Celebration Church, the Goodhope suburb church, and other religious institutions serve as a stark reminder that no place is entirely immune to the threat of armed robbery. The collective effort of law enforcement, communities, and individual vigilance will be essential in turning the tide against this alarming rise in violent crime across Zimbabwe.
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