Armed Robbery at Wicknell Chivayo’s In-laws’ Farm: $75,000 Stolen

A robbery at the farm of Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws in Marondera resulted in $75,000 being stolen by up to 20 armed men. The money is believed related to a bride price. The incident involved a coordinated assault on security personnel, with personal items also taken. A neighbor intervened, prompting the robbers to flee, and an investigation is underway.

In a shocking incident on Tuesday, the in-laws of Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo experienced a robbery at their farm in Marondera, where approximately 20 armed men stormed the property, stealing $75,000 in cash along with various personal belongings. The stolen money is believed to be part of the bride price, or lobola, that Chivayo paid during his marriage to Lulu Muteke, which he claimed cost $20,000, despite rumors of $300,000.

The robbery unfolded at the Alpha Omega Farm after gunfire was reported. Chivayo’s father-in-law, Christopher Mudzingwa Muteke, alerted local farmers for assistance. However, those who arrived quickly retreated upon realizing they were facing a well-organized armed group performing a “military-style operation,” as reported by ZimLive.

The farm is typically guarded by four security personnel, including three from a private security firm. One guard recounted that he was attacked at around 1 AM by a group of about 19 men armed with rifles, pistols, and various blunt instruments. Following the assault, the gang proceeded to disarm a second guard and entered the premises using bolt cutters to bypass security measures.

Gerald Muteke, a resident of the farm, encountered the armed robbers and surrendered $18,000 along with personal items. Another occupant, Vimbai Muteke, also complied with the robbers, yielding $1,100 and the keys to a safe which contained $55,000, all of which were taken by the invaders. A neighbor who heard the commotion intervened by firing shots from a distance, prompting the robbers to escape, albeit not without firing back.

Authorities later recovered an iron bar left by the robbers, which will undergo fingerprint analysis as part of the investigation. Chivayo, when contacted regarding the incident, stated, “I’m not aware (of the robbery). No-one has told me.”

The audacious robbery at Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws’ farm highlights significant security concerns and the potential risks faced by individuals perceived to display wealth. With significant cash and valuables stolen, the incident underscores the prevalence of organized crime and the need for enhanced security measures in rural settings. Law enforcement efforts will continue as police investigate and search for clues to catch the perpetrators responsible for this brazen act.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com