Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
Police have launched a manhunt for two armed men who robbed Energy Park Service Station in Macheke, escaping with more than US$12 000 in cash and several mobile phones.
The robbery occurred on January 21, 2026, in what investigators believe was a carefully timed ambush as an employee was collecting daily cash deposits from several branches for banking.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the suspects targeted Tafadzwa Asado, an Energy Park employee responsible for collecting money from the company’s Murambinda, Nyazura and Macheke service stations.
According to Commissioner Nyathi, Asado had already collected US$5 946 from Murambinda and US$2 775 from Nyazura, securing the money in the boot of a Toyota Aqua vehicle.
Upon arriving at the Macheke branch at around 10am, he entered the office where two employees were preparing to hand over US$3 097 in cash.
“As soon as Asado entered the office, an armed man came in and ordered the three employees to lie down,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
“The suspect took the cash from the table, seized their mobile phones, and also stole US$64 from one of the employees.”
Meanwhile, a second armed accomplice confronted a fuel attendant outside, stealing US$120 from her before forcing her into the office with the others.
The robbers then took the Toyota Aqua keys and fled towards Harare along the Mutare–Harare Road.
The vehicle was later recovered abandoned in Marondera, but the suspects and the stolen money remain missing.
Police are investigating the incident and have appealed to members of the public for any information that could assist in the arrest of the two men.
