Armed robbers caught on camera

Two more suspected armed robbers have been captured on CCTV footage in Harare's Marlborough suburb, intensifying investigations into a gang linked to a wave of violent crimes across the city's western neighbourhoods.

The latest footage shows the suspects roaming outside a residential property, allegedly carrying tools including a hammer believed to be used in break-ins. The homeowner circulated the images among neighbours, prompting residents to forward the footage to police.

The development comes on the same night that a church in the area was raided by armed robbers, raising the number of suspects captured on CCTV in the broader Mabelreign–Marlborough–Westgate corridor to three.

For several weeks, residents in these suburbs have reported a surge in armed robberies, with criminals targeting homes, schools and places of worship.

Earlier this week, police released a separate CCTV image of another suspected robber linked to incidents in Mabelreign. The image gained unexpected traction on social media, with some users commenting on the suspect's appearance, a reaction authorities have discouraged as investigations continue.

Harare provincial police spokesperson, Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed that the images form part of ongoing efforts to identify the suspects.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police, Harare Province, is investigating a series of robbery cases reported in Mabelreign and the Greater Harare Suburban District since February 2026," he said.

"Operations are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects."

Police believe the gang consists of four members who have been using violence to force entry into properties, subdue victims and steal cash and valuables. In some cases under investigation, authorities say sexual offences may also have occurred.

In a related incident on Tuesday, five armed robbers attacked a property along Harare Drive in Borrowdale, making off with US$16,000.

The house was occupied by six Chinese nationals — Wang Xiaocao (31), Zhang Yubin (40), Yang Yubin (36), Liu Cunli (58), Zhang Honggliang (51) and Zhang Huainan (49) — who were reportedly socialising at the time.

Investigations indicate that the suspects, armed with a pistol and crowbars, cut through the perimeter fence before gaining entry through a window. Once inside, they searched bags, seized mobile phones and stole cash from the occupants.

National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi was unavailable for comment.

The case has been recorded at Borrowdale Police Station under reference number RRB 6828503, as police continue to pursue leads from the CCTV images in what could prove a breakthrough in dismantling the gang.