Online ReporterTendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
Police in Mutare are investigating a violent robbery in which a nine‑man gang assaulted two victims and stole US$12 300 following a dispute over gold.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said the robbery — committed using weapons other than firearms — occurred on February 28.
The two men who were assaulted are Ernest Chifamba (28) of Riverside and Blessing Jongwe (33) of Morningside.
So far, Gift Nyamuchaka of Nyanga NFPK has been identified as the main suspect, along with eight other unidentified male suspects.
“Circumstances leading to the robbery indicate that Nyamuchaka allegedly arrived at the Yeovil residence intending to sell gold. He reportedly approached Chifamba, who was seated outside under a tree, and showed him the gold. The two men went into a room where the gold was weighed by Nyamuchaka. However, Chifamba did not see the weight. They later returned outside and waited for Jongwe to conclude the transaction.
“Before Jongwe’s arrival, Nyamuchaka allegedly accused Chifamba of stealing his gold. Chifamba denied the allegations, insisting that Nyamuchaka was still in possession of the mineral,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
Around 3pm, Jongwe arrived and was informed of the alleged missing gold. He reportedly suggested calling a detector to search for it, but before this could be done, Nyamuchaka went outside and made a phone call.
“About 30 minutes later, eight unknown men arrived at the premises with Nyamuchaka. They were armed with iron bars and stones, and accused Chifamba of stealing the gold based on information allegedly supplied by Nyamuchaka.
“Nyamuchaka, Jongwe and five of the unidentified suspects entered the room to search for the missing gold, leaving three suspects outside with Chifamba. The trio allegedly began slapping him.
“When Jongwe realised Chifamba was being assaulted, he rushed outside and pleaded with the suspects to stop, offering to compensate them for the alleged missing gold.
“However, the suspects then allegedly turned on Jongwe and assaulted him as well. During the scuffle, one suspect is said to have opened a brown bag belonging to Chifamba and taken US$10 000 in cash. The group allegedly further demanded US$2 300 as compensation for the missing gold, which Chifamba handed over before the suspects fled,” he said. The total value stolen is US$12 300, and nothing has been recovered.
The matter was reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Mutare Central. Officers who attended the scene observed rubble scattered in the yard.
Chifamba and Jongwe sustained swollen faces and complained of internal body pains before being referred to hospital for treatment. Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said no arrests have been made so far and that investigations are still in progress.
“One suspect has been identified, and efforts are underway to account for the remaining accused persons,” he said.
He warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands.
“We strongly urge members of the public to desist from resolving disputes through violence. Anyone with grievances must approach the police and allow the law to take its course. Engaging in acts of violence and robbery will result in arrest and prosecution,” he said.
