Armed robbers hit ZIMRE Park, Masvingo, and steal US$6,667

MASVINGO — Armed robbers struck a house in the leafy suburb of ZIMRE Park in Masvingo in the early hours of Saturday, 28 February, tying up three occupants and making off with cash and property valued at US$6,667, police and security sources said.

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident to The Midweek Watch and said he was awaiting full details from provincial officers.

“I can confirm that there was an armed robbery that happened today at around 2 am in ZIMRE Park in Masvingo, but I am waiting for details from the province,” he said.

Police and witnesses say five masked men forced entry into a house belonging to 63‑year‑old Rudo Zvingambi Shabha, using crowbars to break in. The gang tied up Shabha’s hands with tyre levers and demanded cash. She handed over US$1,800, the amount she had on hand. The intruders then forced Shabha to show them the other occupants. They entered the room of Herbert Rice (20), tied his hands and legs with tyre levers, and took US$3,600. Lynn Chiripamberi (42) lost US$180 and was also restrained.

The robbers removed the victims’ SIM cards and dumped them outside, leaving mobile phones on a coffee table in the dining room, apparently to prevent immediate calls for help.

After fleeing the first house, the suspects crossed the road to the home of pharmacist Simbarashe Chamboko (39) and Wensley Chamboko. The gang fired several shots and forced open the front door with crowbars. The couple initially handed over US$87 and R100, but the robbers demanded more and took a bag of keys to the pharmacy in town. They also stole a Samsung Note valued at US$400 and a laptop worth US$600 before fleeing.

Absolute Security’s reaction squad was alerted by Wensley Chamboko and arrived at the scene shortly after the robbers had left. A security officer said the team reached the pharmacy and the houses within minutes and secured the premises, but missed intercepting the suspects by only a few minutes.

“We arrived at the scene soon after the robbers had just left, and managed to secure the pharmacy after we heard that they had taken away the keys,” the officer told The Midweek Watch.

“We also proceeded to the other house, which was also robbed and found the occupants who had their hands and legs tied while their phones were on the coffee table. Fortunately, no lives were lost.”

Police reportedly arrived about 30 minutes after the suspects fled. Investigations are ongoing, and officers are following leads, processing the scenes, and appealing to the public for information.

Authorities urged anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects to contact Masvingo provincial police or the nearest police station. Residents were reminded to report suspicious activity promptly and to keep emergency contacts and security arrangements up to date.

ZIMRE Park armed robbery Masvingo 2026