Armed Robbers Tell Businesswoman Ex-Husband Sent Them Before Stealing Vehicle and Cash

MUTARE, Zimbabwe – Police have launched investigations into a daring armed robbery in which six masked men allegedly told a prominent businesswoman that they had been sent by her former husband before stealing cash, mobile phones, and a vehicle worth more than US$21,000. The victim, Philippa Miti, is the proprietor of Mutasa Service Centre and owner of Pinkrose Junior School. According to sources familiar with the investigation, the robbery occurred on May 21, 2026, at approximately 7:20 PM when six armed men gained entry into Miti's residence.

The suspects, who were reportedly wearing face masks, allegedly entered the house through an unlocked door before confronting Miti and her son. Armed with a pistol and okapi knives, the gang allegedly threatened the pair and demanded money and valuables.

"On May 21, 2026, at around 7.20 pm, six unknown male robbers, who were wearing face masks, gained entrance into Ms Miti's house through the door, which was not locked and produced a black pistol and okapi knives and threatened her and her son to surrender their belongings," a source said.

The robbers allegedly claimed that they had been sent by Miti's former husband, Joseph Miti, whom they accused her of separating from.

"The robbers informed Miti that they were sent by her ex-husband, Joseph Miti, who resides in the Dorowa area, since she had spearheaded their separation," the source added.

Police have not publicly confirmed whether there is any evidence linking the former husband to the robbery, and investigations remain ongoing.

During the robbery, Miti allegedly handed over approximately US$2,000 in cash that was inside the house. The gang also reportedly stole several mobile phones, including a Samsung Galaxy A04 and three other Samsung devices. The robbers then demanded vehicle keys before driving away in Miti's Toyota Hiace, registration number AGY 8760. After seizing the vehicle and valuables, the suspects fled the scene.

In a breakthrough, police detectives recovered the stolen Toyota Hiace two days later in Rusape. The vehicle was reportedly found abandoned near an Anglican Church with the keys still in the ignition.

"On May 23, 2026, the stolen Toyota Hiace was recovered in Rusape by police detectives abandoned near the Anglican Church with keys on the ignition," the source said.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of several stolen items, including a Baofeng radio, a Samsung M15, a Samsung A15, and an Itel A37 cellphone. Miti later positively identified the recovered vehicle and electronic devices as property taken during the robbery.

Authorities say the total value of the property stolen was approximately US$21,260, while property worth US$18,970 has since been recovered. The stolen cash remains missing. Police are appealing to members of the public with information that could assist in identifying and arresting the suspects to come forward. Investigations into the armed robbery are continuing.

Philippa Miti armed robbery