Up to 20 armed men raided Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws’ farm, stealing $75,000 in cash. The money was part of Chivayo’s bride price. The organized gang overpowered guards and looted the house before fleeing, despite shots fired by a neighbor. Chivayo expressed unawareness of the incident.
In a brazen raid, up to 20 armed men targeted the Marondera farm of Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws, stealing $75,000 in cash and various personal items. The stolen money is believed to be part of the bride price Chivayo paid for his wife, Lulu Muteke, during their traditional marriage on March 8, with Chivayo previously claiming he sent $75,000 to his in-laws for ceremony preparations.
The incident occurred early Tuesday, prompting a response from local police after gunshots were reported. Chivayo’s father-in-law, Christopher Mudzingwa Muteke, had sent a distress call to a local farmers’ group. However, when other farmers arrived, they discerned the situation’s seriousness, which resembled a “military-style operation,” and withdrew.
The farm was under the protection of three armed guards from a private security firm and one employed directly by the Mutekes. According to a guard from DM Security, he was ambushed around 1 AM by a group of approximately 19 men armed with rifles, leading to a violent confrontation where he was tied up and assaulted.
The robbers swiftly overpowered the guards, disarming one guard of his shotgun. Gerald Muteke, 37, confronted the thieves in the house and surrendered $18,000, as well as valuables including a pistol and two Samsung phones. Additionally, Vimbai Muteke, 43, handed over $1,100 and keys to a safe, yielding another $55,000 for the invaders.
A vigilant neighbor, aware of the ongoing robbery, discharged two shots from a distance, which forced the armed men to flee, during which they returned fire. The police later recovered an iron bar left by the assailants for fingerprint analysis. In response to inquiries about the incident, Chivayo stated, “I’m not aware (of the robbery). No-one has told me.”
This troubling incident highlights the increasing boldness of armed robberies in Zimbabwe, particularly due to the substantial amounts of cash involved, reflecting both on the victims and the effectiveness of local security measures. Chivayo’s lack of awareness regarding the robbery emphasizes a potential disconnect that raises questions about security operations at private residences. Furthermore, the community’s response showcases the risks involved in confronting armed criminals and the need for enhanced local law enforcement strategies.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
