Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
An Orphanage Home and church at Westgate lost more than US$30,000 after armed robbers struck on Sunday.
Richard Chimbetete (50), director of Village of Hope Institution—which runs a school, an orphanage home, and a church—said three-armed men ransacked offices belonging to the institution, including those of the bishop, social workers, the director, and finance, for nearly an hour before fleeing with cash.
The robbers were reported to have used a police-issued firearms during the attack.
One security guard at the orphanage was said to have exchanged blows with the robbers. During the struggle, a robber allegedly dropped a ZRP G3 rifle and a two rounds of ammunition after the guards were reportedly handcuffed.
According to reports, the G3 rifle had been stolen from a police officer at Devaris Makaharis School last Friday.
The guard was armed with a .22 rifle.
The robbers allegedly disarmed one guard, then hit him several times on the head with the butt of the rifle, before handcuffing him. The guard was then taken to a borehole pump room, where he was reportedly tied with electric cables on both legs.
The robbers later attacked a second guard who was conducting perimeter checks, hitting him with an unknown object before moving to the administration offices.
The robbers forced entry into several offices and stole money from safes and cash boxes. Investigators said the following amounts were taken:
Human Resources office: US$2,500 (from a safe)
Finance office: US$250 (cash)
Social Worker’s office: US$200
Director’s office: US$25,000 (from a safe)
Bishop’s office: US$1,200 (from a small safe box)
One church member was still praying when she noticed the robbers inside the premises.
She went to check through the gate but heard the guard calling for help.
She was intercepted by one robber who ordered her to lie on the ground until the theft was completed.National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not be reached for comment.
However, the incident was reported at Marlborough Police Station under RRB 6799117. The report also said three police officers—Inspector Magidi, Constable Chihanga, and Constable Nyamushanga—were attacked by armed robbers on Northolt Road near Devaris Makaharis School last Friday. The robbers reportedly took their vehicle and a G3 rifle.
The same firearm was later reportedly recovered at the orphanage and school premises.Armed robberies have been on the rise in the Westgate, Marlborough and Mabelreign area in recent weeks.
Last week, a notice attributed to Ward 41 councillor, Kudzai Kadzombe sought to identify a suspect in the recent robberies.
“Please help us in identifying this man, who is part of a 4-man gang terrorising our Marlborough community using the aliases “Satan” and “Captain”.
“They have been responsible for a string of robberies at construction sites and churches, including Celebration, Roman Catholic, and AFM, as well as the death of the Zaoga Church security guard. This Easter holiday, they have been targeting companies and residential properties.
“Immediate actions for residents:
1. Do not approach— If you recognise this man or have any information, do not confront him. He is considered armed and dangerous.
2. Report directly to the police – Share any photos, descriptions, or details immediately.
If you have any information, please contact the Officer in Charge of Marlborough Police Station, Mr. Miziri, on +263772377625.
“I continue to urge residents to participate in and strengthen neighbourhood watch efforts in their areas. We need to be vigilant and protect ourselves, our properties, and the safety of our families,” read the statement that circulated widely on Whatsapp groups in the area.
