Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A MAN, who lost US$30,000 in cash, after armed robbers stormed his house in Avondale and threatened to kill his pregnant wife, was told by the thugs, as they left, that he had been betrayed by his workmates.
It suggests the armed robbers had knowledge, from tips from James Nyamaropa’s workmates, that he had a substantial amount of cash at his house.
According to the police, Nyamaropa, 45, was asleep with his wife, Sheila Chigumira (41), when they heard their main bedroom door being forced open.
They saw three men wearing balaclavas and gloves entering the room.
Two of the robbers were armed with machetes, while one held an unidentified pistol.They demanded cash.
The robbers threatened Sheila, who is pregnant, saying they would kill her if she did not hand over money.
She handed over US$30,000.
The robbers allegedly said “wauraiswa nevanhu vekubasa kwako,” as they left.The family found out that the robbers also stole a 75-inch television set and a home theatre.
From the other lounge, they also took a 65-inch television set, Samsung A70, Samsung S20, and Samsung Z46 cellphones, which had been left charging.
Total value stolen is US$33,850.
Meanwhile, motorists across Harare are increasingly falling victim to theft from parked vehicles, with reports of valuables, including large sums of cash, being stolen.In a crime awareness campaign conducted at several shopping centres, Harare Suburban District Officer-Commanding, Chief Superintendent Christopher Mugurameno, said cases of theft from cars have been on the rise. He urged motorists to stop relying on remote-controlled locking systems, saying some motorists fail to ensure their vehicles are properly secured.
On Saturday, police teamed up with members of the Community Liaison Committee (CLC) in crime awareness meetings held in Msasa, Rhodesville, Chisipite, Highlands, Borrowdale, Hatcliffe, Mabelreign, Marlborough, Westgate and Avondale.
Supt Mugurameno advised motorists not to leave valuables in cars and discouraged the keeping of large amounts of money at home or business premises.
“As you go out for drinks at bottle stores, bars and restaurants, do not leave your vehicles unattended for long periods,” he said.
“Make sure your vehicle doors are locked and do not keep valuables, including cash, inside.”
He warned residents about armed robberies and said criminals have continued using weapons such as log irons and machetes to terrorise communities, noting that theft from cars remains a major concern.
“We urge members of the public to avoid sharing information about their cash with housemaids, gardeners and even relatives and workmates, as some are feeding criminals with information,” said Chief Superintendent Mugurameno.
