Copyright myzimbabwe
Harare – A Harare businessman was robbed of US$30,000 on Saturday after falling victim to armed robbers posing as South African grocery dealers. The incident comes as police announce a seventh arrest in connection with the murder of prominent businessman Joseph Mutangadura, highlighting ongoing concerns about crime in the country. Bannet Sibanda was lured into the trap after receiving a call from a man identifying himself as Randburg, who offered to supply groceries from South Africa at a significantly reduced price. Intrigued by the offer, Sibanda began communicating with Randburg via WhatsApp. Randburg insisted that Sibanda bring US$10,000 after work on Saturday evening, claiming that he and his colleague were planning to leave for South Africa. At approximately 5pm, Randburg called Sibanda to confirm their meeting along Hebert Chitepo Street, near the Showgrounds, in Belvedere, Harare. Sibanda drove to the location where he saw Randburg seated in a Toyota Fortuner. Sibanda stepped into Randburg’s car, opened his bag, and began counting the money. However, another man then entered the vehicle, brandishing a knife. He proceeded to stab Sibanda on both legs. The two men then seized Sibanda’s bag, which contained $30,000, and fled the scene. Sibanda was later abandoned at a tollgate along Dema Road. Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, police spokesperson for Harare province, confirmed the incident. “The complainant sustained injuries and is receiving medical attention,” he said. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by business owners in Harare, with criminals increasingly using sophisticated tactics to target their victims. Meanwhile, police have announced the arrest of a seventh suspect in connection with the robbery and murder of Joseph Mutangadura, who was killed at his farm in Ruwa in August. The suspect, Webster Nhau (51), was arrested at his home in Ruwa. In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest. “The ZRP confirms the arrest of Webster Nhau, aged 51, in connection with the robbery and murder of businessman Joseph Mutangadura, aged 67, on August 17, 2025, at Mutangadura Hideout Farm, Ruwa. The suspect was arrested near his residence along Dustan Road, Ruwa, on November 2, 2025. The police have arrested seven suspects in connection with the case,” he said. Last week, two men with several pending armed robbery cases were also arrested in connection with the case. Tariro Mutsamanye (34) and Dexter Tinashe Mugaro (31), who have been in custody awaiting the finalisation of several cases in which they face various accusations related to armed robberies, appeared before Harare regional magistrate, Mrs Marewanazvo Gofa. They were remanded in custody until next month and were advised to apply for bail at the High Court, as they are facing a third schedule offence. Four other suspected armed robbers have already been arrested in connection with the case. Among these armed robbers are two brothers, and the police have indicated that the gang members appear to be related. The gang raided Mutangadura Hideout on August 17. Around 11:15 pm, security guard Bonus Kadiwa, who was on duty, heard dogs barking and went to investigate. He spotted two men crawling near the gardener’s cottage towards the main house. He was grabbed from behind and threatened with a pistol. The suspects, armed with claw bars, hammers, and pistols, forced Kadiwa to march around the house before breaking down the north-facing main door to gain entry. Kadiwa then realised there were seven attackers, all wearing balaclavas. They confiscated his cellphone and left one suspect to guard him while the other six ransacked the house. The suspects broke into the master bedroom, where they encountered Mutangadura. A single gunshot was fired, hitting the businessman in the chest and killing him instantly. The arrest of Nhau marks a significant step forward in the investigation into Mutangadura’s murder, but questions remain about the motive behind the killing and the extent of the gang’s operations. The fact that the same firearm was used in another murder highlights the urgent need to address the proliferation of illegal weapons in the country.
