US$12 300 stolen in violent Mutare gold dispute

Police in Mutare are investigating a violent robbery in which a nine‑man gang assaulted two men and stole a total of US$12,300 following a dispute over gold.

Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said the incident, which did not involve firearms, occurred on February 28. The victims have been identified as Ernest Chifamba (28) of Riverside and Blessing Jongwe (33) of Morningside.

According to police, Gift Nyamuchaka has been identified as the main suspect, along with eight other unidentified men.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka explained that the robbery stemmed from a transaction dispute. Nyamuchaka reportedly arrived at the Yeovil residence to sell gold and interacted with Chifamba, showing him the mineral. The gold was weighed inside a room, though Chifamba claimed he did not see the weight. They later waited outside for Jongwe to arrive to complete the transaction.

"Before Jongwe's arrival, Nyamuchaka allegedly accused Chifamba of stealing his gold. Chifamba denied the allegations, insisting Nyamuchaka still had the mineral," Chinyoka said.

Around 3pm, Jongwe arrived and suggested calling a detector to verify the gold. However, Nyamuchaka went outside to make a phone call. About 30 minutes later, eight men arrived with Nyamuchaka, armed with iron bars and stones. They accused Chifamba of theft and began assaulting him, while five others joined Nyamuchaka and Jongwe to search for the alleged missing gold.

When Jongwe tried to intervene, offering to compensate the group, he was also attacked. During the scuffle, one suspect opened a brown bag belonging to Chifamba and took US$10,000 in cash. The gang further demanded US$2,300 as compensation for the alleged missing gold, which was handed over before they fled.

The total amount stolen is US$12,300, and nothing has been recovered. Chifamba and Jongwe sustained swollen faces and internal body pains and were referred to hospital for treatment. Officers at the scene also observed rubble scattered in the yard.

No arrests have been made so far, though police continue to investigate and attempt to identify the remaining suspects.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged the public against taking the law into their own hands. "We strongly urge members of the public to desist from resolving disputes through violence. Anyone with grievances must approach the police and allow the law to take its course. Engaging in acts of violence and robbery will result in arrest and prosecution," he said.