Robbery cases increasing across Zimbabwe

A surge in violent armed robberies has gripped Zimbabwe, with police confirming two major heists in Mt Darwin and Bulawayo that have left authorities scrambling to track down suspects behind the brazen crimes.

In a statement on Thursday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had launched full-scale investigations into the robberies, which have shocked communities and raised fears over growing criminal activity.

In the most audacious of the incidents, three unidentified armed robbers stormed a commercial bank in Mt Darwin at around 2:00 AM on Wednesday, making off with a staggering US$700,000 in cash and 2.4 kilograms of gold.

"The ZRP is investigating a robbery case which occurred at a bank in Mt Darwin CBD on 26 June 2025 at around 0200 hours," said Nyathi. "Three unknown suspects, armed with pistols, pounced on the bank, attacked the security guard who was on duty at the premises and then broke into the bank, where they blasted open a safe and stole approximately USD700,000 and 2.4 kilogrammes of gold."

Police are currently analysing CCTV footage and collecting forensic evidence to identify the suspects. No arrests had been made by the time of publication.

In a similar case just a day earlier, three armed robbers targeted Old Nic Mine in Bulawayo on June 25. The gang reportedly confronted and assaulted three individuals before forcing their way into the mine's offices, from where they stole US$520,000 in cash and two mobile phones.

Assistant Commissioner Nyathi confirmed that investigations were underway in Bulawayo as well, with police determined to apprehend the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Chitungwiza, police made a breakthrough in an armed robbery that occurred on Wednesday night at an Ecocash shop in Unit O. Providence Shumba (32) was arrested after allegedly storming the shop around 8:30 PM, threatening two individuals with an okapi knife while they were counting money and airtime cards.

He reportedly fled with US$180 in cash, airtime worth US$1,000, and two mobile phones. Thanks to swift police response, officers managed to recover both mobile phones and US$500 worth of the stolen airtime. Shumba is expected to appear in court soon.

Nyathi called on members of the public to assist law enforcement efforts, particularly in the ongoing investigations in Mt Darwin and Bulawayo.

"We are committed to bringing the perpetrators of these crimes to justice," he said. "Community support is vital in solving these cases. Anyone with information should contact their nearest police station."

The latest spate of robberies has sparked concerns about security lapses and the need for enhanced protection of financial institutions and commercial sites across the country.