Workmates suspected in US$30,000 armed robbery

A 45-year-old Harare man who lost US$30,000 to armed robbers during a terrifying home invasion has raised fresh concerns about insider information being used to facilitate violent crimes, after the suspects allegedly told him he had been betrayed by his workmates.

The incident occurred in Avondale, where James Nyamaropa and his wife, Sheila Chigumira, were asleep when armed robbers forced their way into their bedroom in the middle of the night.

According to police, the couple was awakened by the sound of their bedroom door being broken open. They were confronted by three men wearing balaclavas and gloves. Two of the suspects were armed with machetes, while the third carried an unidentified pistol.

The robbers immediately demanded cash and threatened to kill Chigumira, who is pregnant, if the family failed to hand over money.

Fearing for her life and that of her unborn child, Chigumira surrendered US$30,000 in cash to the attackers.

As they prepared to leave, the suspects allegedly told Nyamaropa, "wauraiswa nevanhu vekubasa kwako" (you were betrayed by people from your workplace), suggesting they may have received information about the cash from individuals known to the victim.

The gang did not stop at the cash. They also stole a 75-inch television set and a home theatre system before moving to another lounge, where they took a 65-inch television set and three mobile phones—a Samsung A70, Samsung S20 and Samsung Z46—which had been left charging.

The total value of the stolen property is estimated at US$33,850.

The robbery comes amid growing concern over rising property-related crimes across Harare, particularly thefts from vehicles and targeted attacks on residents believed to be keeping large amounts of cash at home.

Speaking during a crime awareness campaign conducted at several shopping centres across the capital, Harare Suburban District Officer Commanding, Chief Superintendent Christopher Mugurameno, warned residents against disclosing information about their finances and urged them to avoid keeping substantial sums of money at home.

"We urge members of the public to avoid sharing information about their cash with housemaids, gardeners and even relatives and workmates, as some are feeding criminals with information," said Chief Superintendent Mugurameno.

He said armed robbers continue to terrorise communities using weapons such as machetes and log irons, while theft from parked vehicles has also become increasingly common.

Police and members of the Community Liaison Committee conducted crime awareness meetings in Msasa, Rhodesville, Chisipite, Highlands, Borrowdale, Hatcliffe, Mabelreign, Marlborough, Westgate and Avondale over the weekend.

Chief Superintendent Mugurameno urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly locked, avoid relying solely on remote-controlled locking systems and refrain from leaving cash or other valuables inside unattended vehicles.

He also cautioned residents against leaving vehicles unattended for long periods while visiting bars, bottle stores and restaurants, saying criminals continue to exploit such opportunities to target unsuspecting motorists.