Armed Gang Steals $75,000 from Chivayo In-Laws’ Farm in Marondera
Up to 20 armed men raided Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws’ farm in Marondera, stealing US$75,000 in cash and personal items. The incident, described as a military-style operation, involved the overpowering of security guards before valuables were taken. A neighbor’s intervention led to the robbers fleeing, and police are investigating the scene.
In an early Tuesday morning raid, a group of up to 20 armed men seized US$75,000 in cash and personal items from the Marondera farm belonging to Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws. The cash is reportedly part of the bride price Chivayo paid for his marriage to Lulu Muteke, despite disputes over the exact amount paid. It is suggested that he publicly claimed the total was around $20,000, while claiming to have sent $75,000 to his in-laws in preparation for the marriage ceremony held on March 8.
The incident prompted a call for police assistance after gunfire was heard at Alpha Omega Farm. Christopher Mudzingwa Muteke, Chivayo’s father-in-law, reached out for help from a local farmers’ group. However, those who arrived on the scene quickly withdrew upon recognizing the operation was orchestrated in a military-style, characterized by the presence of heavily armed and organized individuals.
Alpha Omega Farm is typically secured by four armed guards, three from a private security firm and another directly employed by the Mutekes. At approximately 1 AM, one guard described being ambushed by a man before noticing a group of 19 armed individuals, some armed with rifles and others with tools such as bolt cutters and iron bars. The guard was overpowered, and his hands were secured with cable ties, allowing the gang to enter the farmhouse unimpeded.
The group overpowered a second guard, confiscated a shotgun, and assaulted a third guard at the main entrance. They then proceeded to cut off a lock securing the burglar screen and entered the house. Gerald Muteke, one of the occupants, encountered the robbers and surrendered $18,000, along with a firearm and two Samsung smartphones. Additionally, Vimbai Muteke, another resident, relinquished $1,100, her mobile phone, and keys to a safe containing a further $55,000.
A neighboring resident, alerted about the robbery, fired two shots from a distance, prompting the robbers to flee while discharging their weapons in retreat. Investigators later recovered an iron bar left by the suspects for fingerprint analysis. When contacted, Chivayo expressed ignorance regarding the incident, stating, “I’m not aware (of the robbery). No one has told me.”
The armed raid at the Chivayo in-laws’ farm highlights serious security vulnerabilities, despite the presence of several guards. The organized nature of the robbery, coupled with the substantial amount stolen, raises significant concerns regarding crime in the area. It also reveals a troubling disconnect, as Chivayo himself was unaware of the incident occurring.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
