Borrowdale Domestic Worker Accused of Helping Boyfriend Steal US$128,000 From Employer

HARARE – A 28-year-old domestic worker from Borrowdale has appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court accused of conspiring with her boyfriend to steal US$128,000 from her employer in a case that has drawn attention due to the substantial amount of money involved.

Linda Mubure appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, facing charges of unlawful entry and theft. The allegations stem from the disappearance of cash belonging to Margaret Zvinavashe, who had reportedly set aside the money to purchase a residential property.

According to the State, Zvinavashe travelled with Mubure to Borrowdale on 8 June 2026 while carrying US$128,000 intended for a property transaction. Prosecutors say the house purchase did not materialise, and the pair returned home with the cash. The money was allegedly placed in a wardrobe inside the complainant's bedroom for safekeeping. Court papers state that shortly afterwards, Mubure allegedly began plotting with her boyfriend, who remains at large, to steal the funds.

The State alleges that Mubure secretly took her employer's bedroom keys and travelled to Strataven Shops, where she arranged for a locksmith to make duplicate copies. Prosecutors claim the duplicate keys were later used to gain access to the bedroom without forcing entry. The alleged plan unfolded on 10 June 2026, when the complainant and Mubure travelled together to a farm in Norton.

Before leaving, Mubure was reportedly instructed to secure the property by locking all doors and closing windows. However, prosecutors allege she deliberately left the main entrance unlocked and subsequently informed her boyfriend that the occupants had left the premises.

According to the State's case, the boyfriend entered the house through the unlocked front door and used the duplicate keys to access the complainant's bedroom. He allegedly removed US$128,000 from the wardrobe before leaving the property without attracting attention. Investigators say there were no visible signs of forced entry at the residence. This reportedly raised suspicions when the complainant returned home later that day.

The court heard that Zvinavashe became suspicious after noticing that Mubure appeared to be unlocking the house despite the main entrance already being unlocked.

Further concerns arose when it emerged that the bedroom had been accessed even though there was no evidence of a break-in. Upon checking the wardrobe, the complainant allegedly discovered that the cash was missing.

Prosecutors further allege that Mubure was later seen deleting conversations with her boyfriend from her mobile phone. When questioned about the missing money, she allegedly continued deleting messages, deepening suspicions about her involvement. The matter was subsequently reported to the police, leading to her arrest.

Mubure has appeared in court to answer the allegations, while police continue searching for her alleged accomplice. Authorities have not indicated whether any of the missing funds have been recovered. The case remains before the courts. As with all criminal proceedings, Mubure is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court.

Borrowdale domestic worker theft