Armed Raid on Wicknell Chivayo’s In-Laws’ Farm Results in $75,000 Theft
A raid at the farm of Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws in Marondera involved 20 armed men stealing $75,000 in cash and personal items. The money is part of a traditional bride price. The incident saw guards overpowered and ended when a neighbor intervened. Police are investigating the robbery and collecting evidence.
In Harare, Zimbabwe, up to 20 armed men conducted a robbery at the farm of the in-laws of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, stealing approximately $75,000 in cash and various personal belongings. This money is thought to be part of a bride price Chivayo paid for his wife, Lulu Muteke, during their traditional ceremony in March. While rumors suggest a payment of $300,000 for lobola, Chivayo insisted the figure was closer to $20,000 but confirmed transferring $75,000 for preparations.
The incident occurred early Tuesday, prompting a police response after gunshots were reported. Chivayo’s father-in-law, Christopher Mudzingwa Muteke, called for assistance from a local farmers’ group. When some farmers arrived, they quickly departed upon recognizing the well-armed and organized nature of the attack, described as a “military-style operation.” A large white truck was spotted near the scene.
Reports indicated that the farm had three guards from a private security firm and a fourth directly employed by the family. A guard on duty shared with police that he was ambushed around 1 AM by a man, later realizing he faced a group of 19 armed attackers. The gang overpowered the guards, one of whom was assaulted and had his hands bound, while another guard’s CBC shotgun was seized.
After disabling the guards, the robbers entered the house through a cut padlock on a burglar screen. Occupants Gerald Muteke and Vimbai Muteke were coerced into surrendering valuables. Gerald yielded $18,000, a pistol, and two Samsung phones, while Vimbai handed over $1,100 and keys to the safe, from which the gang extracted $55,000.
A neighboring resident, alerted to the ongoing robbery, fired two shots from a distance, prompting the robbers to flee, although they fired back as they retreated. Police later discovered an iron bar abandoned by the assailants, which will be analyzed for fingerprints. Chivayo stated, “I’m not aware (of the robbery). No-one has told me,” during a phone conversation with ZimLive.
The armed robbery at the farm of Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws involved a substantial theft of cash totaling $75,000, likely linked to bride price payments for his marriage. The incident unfolded as a coordinated attack by a group of 20 men, overpowering guards and threatening the residents. A responding neighbor’s actions ultimately contributed to the robbers’ retreat. The police are actively investigating the scene to gather evidence.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
