Police were alerted after gunshots rang out at Alpha Omega Farm. Chivayo’s father-in-law, Christopher Mudzingwa Muteke, sent an SOS message to a local farmers’ group. Some farmers responded but quickly retreated upon seeing a well-organised and heavily armed gang, sources told ZimLive.
A big white truck was reportedly seen parked near the property, possibly used as a getaway vehicle.
A guard from DM Security stationed at the southside entrance told police that just after 1 AM, he was grabbed from behind.
He then saw a group of around 19 armed men carrying rifles, pistols, bolt cutters, machetes, and iron bars.
“They tied my hands from the back with cable ties and started asking where the other guards were,” the guard recalled.
The gang overpowered three other security guards. One guard was hit several times on theThe gang overpowered three other security guards. One guard was hit several times on the head with an iron bar before they forced their way into the house.
The level of coordination and the weapons used suggested the robbers were no ordinary criminals but part of a well-trained and highly organised syndicate.
Once inside, the robbers confronted Gerald Muteke, 37, in the passageway. They demanded cash.
“I gave them US$18,000, my Sarsilmaz pistol, a Samsung S21, and a Samsung S24,” Gerald told police.
The gang then stormed a bedroom occupied by Vimbai Muteke, 43. She handed over US$1,100, her mobile phone, and keys to a safe.
Inside the safe, the robbers found US$55,000, which they seized before making their escape.
The attackers showed remarkable efficiency. They operated quickly, ensuring they spent minimal time inside the house while gathering as much cash and valuables as possible.
Their precise execution raised suspicions that they had prior knowledge of where the money was stored.
A neighbour who heard the commotion fired two warning shots from a distance using a .303 rifle. The robbers, seemingly unfazed, returned fire with three shots before making their escape under the cover of darkness.
A discarded iron bar left behind by the robbers is being examined for fingerprints, while police believe the gang may have used a well-planned route to evade roadblocks and security patrols.
When reached for comment, Chivayo told ZimLive on Tuesday:
