INSIDE JOB: Harare MP’s Nightclub Robbed of US$3,900; Five Arrested

HARARE — A Harare Member of Parliament has suffered a significant financial loss after a sophisticated inside job at her business premises, resulting in the theft of nearly US$3,900 in cash. Five suspects have since been arrested and arraigned before the courts in connection with the heist. The incident targeted Mother Sharks Butchery and Nightclub in Manresa Park, a business owned by legislator and businesswoman Patricia Kundhlande (54).

According to court proceedings, the theft occurred in the early hours of Sunday, April 19, at approximately 12:30 am. The State alleges that Kelvin Zulu (20), who had authorized access to the safe, conspired with an accomplice identified as Washington Sithole, who remains at large, to gain entry to the safe and remove the cash.

The robbery appears to have been a coordinated effort involving multiple participants:

• The Getaway: Tinotenda V. Marecha (26), a taxi driver, was reportedly waiting nearby in a Toyota Aqua to facilitate the suspects' escape.

• Accomplices: Portia Ngorima (34) and Pretty Ngorima (21) allegedly assisted by transporting a bag containing the stolen funds to the getaway vehicle. They were reportedly dropped off at their homes afterward, allegedly receiving US$20 each for their participation.

• Transportation of the Fugitive: Marecha allegedly drove the primary suspect, Sithole, to a service station in Mabvuku, where Mike Vheremu (21) took over, driving the fugitive out of Harare to Chivhu.

The five accused, Zulu, Marecha, the two Ngorimas, and Vheremu, appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo, facing charges of theft. Prosecutors state that a total of US$3,874 was stolen, none of which has yet been recovered by authorities. Police investigations are ongoing, with a manhunt currently underway for Washington Sithole. The case highlights the vulnerabilities businesses face when internal security protocols are compromised, as police continue to treat the matter as a suspected inside job.

Harare MP business robbery arrest