Night Raid in Rusape: Headmaster Tied Up as Robbers Steal Car and Bikes

A Rusape headmaster was attacked and tied up by eight armed robbers who stole his car, motorbikes and valuables worth over US$8,000 (image source)

A school head in Rusape was attacked in a night raid by a gang of eight robbers who stole his Toyota D4D double cab, two motorbikes, cash and phones, with the total haul valued at over US$8,000. Police said the assailants, armed with machetes, knives and sticks, stormed the home around 2 a.m., tied the headmaster’s hands and legs, and stabbed him in the shoulder and back before fleeing. The victim, identified as Bennedict Dadaya of Mabvazuwa Primary School, received medical attention and is in stable condition according to local reports.

Acting Manicaland Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway, with officers pursuing leads on the suspects’ movements and potential accomplices who might have scouted the property beforehand. Detectives are reviewing neighbourhood CCTV where available, canvassing for witnesses, and tracking the stolen vehicle and bikes through cross-provincial alerts.

Neighbours reported waking to commotion at the property and raised the alarm, but the gang appears to have coordinated a rapid getaway. Police believe the group may be linked to similar armed robberies targeting households perceived to have valuable assets recently purchased at auctions or through civil service programmes, and they urged the public to avoid broadcasting such acquisitions on social media.

Security experts recommended practical measures for households: reinforced doors, motion-sensor lighting, discreet parking arrangements, and community watch networks that share timely alerts without compromising privacy. They also urged residents to catalogue serial numbers of vehicles and equipment, which can help recovery and insurance claims if theft occurs.

Local unions expressed solidarity with teachers and school administrators, noting rising crime has heightened anxiety among public servants and rural professionals. They called for visible patrols, faster response times, and targeted operations against known violent gangs. Police said night patrols would be intensified and pledged to update residents as the case progresses.

Authorities reminded the public to avoid direct confrontation with armed intruders and to prioritise personal safety. They advised immediate reporting of suspicious activity and the use of verified hotlines to ensure quick dispatch of responders. Insurance providers in the area have also encouraged policyholders to review coverage for high-value personal assets and to adopt risk-mitigation steps recognised in policy terms.

While the investigation continues, community leaders say rebuilding a sense of safety will take both policing and neighbour-to-neighbour cooperation. As Dadaya recovers, residents have coordinated support for his family and appealed for calm, emphasising the importance of allowing investigators the time to work the case methodically.