Crimes and Courts
MBIRE, Mashonaland Central – A serving Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer is among ten suspects arrested in connection with a brazen armed robbery at a gold mine in Mbire, where workers were abducted and property worth thousands of US dollars was stolen.
According to a police memorandum dated 11 July 2025, the gang—some dressed in full police uniform and armed with AK-47 rifles—raided the MMC Mining Syndicate at Katope River on the night of 9 July, posing as law enforcement officers conducting an inquiry.
“They claimed to be police officers, ordered everyone to gather, then robbed us at gunpoint,” said one of the victims, who handed over US$5,000 and 15 grams of gold before being forced into a getaway vehicle.
The suspects loaded approximately 50kg of gold-laced carbon into a Honda Fit before fleeing. A female mine worker managed to escape and alert the mine manager, Bernard Arikadara, who mobilized a pursuit.
“We intercepted one of their vehicles, but they fired at least seven shots, blowing out our tyres and forcing us to retreat,” Arikadara recounted.
Police later arrested Tawanda Chihwani, a ZRP Support Unit officer stationed at the New Parliament base in Harare, who allegedly stole two AK-47 rifles and police gear for the robbery. He led investigators to the recovery of firearms, uniforms, explosives, and stolen phones hidden in Nyamhara Village.
“We have recovered some property, but investigations are ongoing,” said a police spokesperson, adding that two Honda Fit vehicles used in the robbery were seized.
The total stolen goods were valued at US$7,650, with only US$1,000 worth recovered so far. A .303 rifle taken from the mine remains missing.
Zim GBC News©️2025