Mukuru Hit by Armed Robbers Again – Eduzim News

By Dorrothy Moyo | Harare, Zimbabwe – A gang of armed robbers struck a Mukuru Money Transfer agency at Makomva Shopping Centre in Glen View yesterday morning, escaping with over US$2,700 and R2,350 in yet another targeted attack on financial outlets.

The robbery occurred at approximately 10 AM when four suspects, armed with pistols, arrived at the busy shopping center in a black Toyota Mark X. The robbers, who had allegedly conducted surveillance earlier, waited for a cash delivery before executing their well-orchestrated heist.

Hostages and Shots Fired

Eyewitnesses recounted the dramatic scene as the robbers stormed the Mukuru outlet, located within a pharmacy. The gang held the agency’s workers and a customer hostage at gunpoint, demanding cash. One customer, who had just withdrawn US$950, was attacked and robbed alongside the teller, from whom US$1,839 and R2,350 were looted.

The chaos escalated when the robbers fired shots into the air to intimidate bystanders as they fled the scene, causing panic among shoppers.

“It was terrifying. They were armed and aggressive, and the sound of gunfire sent people running in all directions,” said one eyewitness who was at the shopping center during the robbery.

Police Launch Investigation

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying investigations are already underway.

“We can confirm that US$2,789 and R2,350 were stolen by four suspects armed with pistols. They fled in a black Toyota Mark X, and we are working to determine whether the vehicle had a registration number,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and assist police with any information that may help identify the suspects.

Rise in Robberies

This incident highlights a concerning trend of targeted robberies against financial service providers, particularly Mukuru Money Transfer outlets, which handle significant cash volumes. The robbery comes amid growing concerns over the safety of cash-in-transit operations and increased criminal activity in Harare.

Other Criminal Incidents

In separate incidents, police are investigating multiple cases of unlawful entry and theft:
• On December 13, an unknown suspect broke into a residence on Abyone Drive, Newlands, stealing a cash box containing US$20,000 and a laptop.
• On December 12, unknown assailants broke into Rakodzi Estate in Marondera and stole firearms, including a Farbam shotgun, a Brno shotgun, and a BSA rifle, while the homeowner was away in Harare.

Police Urge Caution

The police have urged businesses, particularly cash handling agencies, to improve security measures, including hiring trained guards and investing in surveillance systems.

“Criminal gangs are targeting locations where cash is readily available. We appeal to the public to report any suspicious activity and remain alert,” Commissioner Nyathi added.

Public Concern

Residents of Glen View and other high-density areas have expressed growing concern over the frequency of armed robberies, calling on authorities to implement stronger measures to curb these incidents.

As investigations continue, the public remains on edge, with fears that such brazen attacks may become even more frequent in the absence of decisive interventions.

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