Armed Robbers Using ZRP Rifle Raid Westgate Orphanage, Steal Over US$30,000

HARARE – Armed robbers wielding a rifle believed to belong to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) stormed a church-run orphanage in Westgate, Harare, on Sunday, making off with more than US$30,000 in a brazen attack that has heightened fears of a growing crime wave in the city’s western suburbs. The raid targeted the Village of Hope Institution, a facility that houses a school, an orphanage, and a church. The suspects reportedly spent close to an hour ransacking offices after overpowering security guards.

Village of Hope director Richard Chimbetete (50) said three armed men attacked the premises and subdued security personnel before breaking into multiple offices.

“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,” he said.

According to eyewitness accounts, one guard attempted to resist but was violently subdued.

“They disarmed him, struck him several times with the butt of a rifle, handcuffed him and dragged him to a pump room where he was tied with electric cables,” said a staff member who requested anonymity.

A second guard conducting patrols was also assaulted before the suspects moved deeper into the premises.

Investigators say the robbers broke into several offices and stole cash kept in safes and cash boxes, including:

• US$25,000 from the director’s office

• US$2,500 from the Human Resources office

• US$1,200 from the bishop’s office

• Smaller amounts from finance and social services offices

The total stolen exceeded US$30,000, according to preliminary police assessments.

A church member who was praying during the incident also encountered the attackers.

“One robber intercepted her and ordered her to lie down until they finished,” another source said.

During the robbery, one of the suspects allegedly dropped a G3 rifle and two rounds of ammunition. Investigators believe the weapon had been stolen days earlier during an ambush on police officers in Mabelreign. Police sources say three officers were attacked along Northolt Road near Divaris Makaharis School in the early hours of April 10.

“The attackers smashed the windscreen, assaulted the officers and grabbed the G3 rifle before fleeing,” a police memo seen by local media stated.

The officers were later treated at Parirenyatwa Hospital. The same rifle was reportedly recovered at the Westgate crime scene, strengthening suspicions of a coordinated gang behind the attacks.

The incident has raised alarm among residents in Westgate, Marlborough, and Mabelreign, where a spike in armed robberies has been reported in recent weeks. Ward 41 councillor Kudzai Kadzombe recently warned of a suspected gang linked to multiple robberies targeting churches and construction sites.

“They have been responsible for a string of robberies… including the death of a security guard,” read a warning circulated in community WhatsApp groups.

Residents have been urged not to confront suspects but to report any information to authorities.

Security analysts say the use of a stolen police firearm signals a dangerous escalation.

“When criminals gain access to state-issued weapons, it significantly raises the level of threat. It also points to organised criminal networks,” said Harare-based security expert Witness Dube.

The case was reported at Marlborough Police Station, and investigations are ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle the suspected gang.

Westgate robbery Harare