Salesman robbed of US$19,530 in daylight heist at Vengere Musika Rusape

An aerial view of Rusape in Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands

HARARE – A 40-year-old salesman with Pacific Tobacco Company was robbed of US$19,530 in a daring daylight heist at Vengere Musika in Rusape, police have confirmed. The incident occurred last Wednesday afternoon at the busy marketplace, raising fresh concerns over security at commercial hubs in Manicaland.

According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, five unidentified suspects targeted the victim, Kudzanai Pawananukwa, while he was attending to customers near his parked vehicle. Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Wiseman Chinyoka said the salesman had left his Toyota GD6 unlocked outside Old N Richards Shop, opposite Vengere Musika, at around 3:20 pm.

“The complainant had parked his vehicle while attending to customers behind it when five unknown men approached and gained entry,” Chinyoka said. “Once inside, they took a key that had been left on the passenger seat, used it to open a safe in the vehicle, and removed US$19,530 in cash.”

Police said the suspects then fled the scene in a Toyota Runnex along the Harare–Mutare Road, prompting Pawananukwa to give chase.

“The pursuit continued up to the 176-kilometre peg, where the suspects turned off the main road onto a dust track,” Chinyoka said. “The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into nearby bushland, evading capture.”

The matter was reported to ZRP Rusape Central, triggering investigations.

Police have since recovered the suspected getaway vehicle, which has been impounded as evidence. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the suspects. Security experts say the case highlights the risks of handling large amounts of cash in public spaces.

“Criminals often target individuals believed to be carrying cash, especially in busy trading areas,” said Harare-based security analyst Shepherd Moyo. “Basic precautions such as securing vehicles and avoiding visible cash handling can significantly reduce risk.”

The incident has also sparked concern among traders at Vengere Musika, one of Rusape’s busiest marketplaces, where vendors and businesses regularly handle significant cash transactions. Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid leaving vehicles unlocked or valuables unattended, particularly in high-traffic areas. Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is encouraged to report to their nearest police station.

Rusape robbery Vengere Musika theft