Residents of Kwekwe have been left in shock after a gang of five armed robbers raided a local funeral parlour in the early hours of October 23, making off with smartphones valued at US$410. The daring break-in, which took place around 1 a.m., has raised security concerns in the Midlands mining town, where incidents of armed robberies have been on the rise.
According to Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the robbers were armed with iron bars and axes when they stormed the funeral service premises. The gang reportedly scaled a precast wall to gain entry before attacking employees who were on duty.
“Property worth US$410 was lost when a five-man gang armed with iron bars and axes pounced on a funeral undertaker company in Kwekwe on October 23 at about 1 a.m.,” said Inspector Mahoko in a statement confirming the incident.
Once inside, the robbers confronted two security guards and three company workers, demanding to know where cash from the day’s business was being kept. When the terrified employees failed to provide the information, the assailants began assaulting them using axe handles and iron bars.
“They started beating the workers and security guards, demanding to know where the company cash was kept,” Inspector Mahoko said. “The victims were overpowered, tied up, and searched before the robbers took their personal belongings.”
After subduing the victims, the criminals reportedly tied their hands and legs with pieces of rope before proceeding to ransack the premises. They went through the victims’ pockets and managed to take away three smartphones — a Huawei Y9, a G-Tel Delta, and a Samsung A06 — all collectively valued at US$410.
The gang then fled the scene under the cover of darkness, leaving their victims bound and injured. It was only after several minutes that one of the employees managed to free himself and alert nearby residents and the police.
By the time officers arrived, the robbers had already disappeared, and no cash was reported stolen. Police have since launched an investigation into the matter, with teams from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Kwekwe now pursuing leads that could help identify and apprehend the suspects.
Inspector Mahoko appealed to members of the public to assist law enforcement with any information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits.
Armed Robbers Attack Kwekwe Funeral Parlour, Steal Phones Worth US$410
“We are calling for anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to approach the nearest police station,” he said.
The incident has sparked anxiety among Kwekwe residents, particularly business owners and employees who work night shifts. Many have expressed fear that criminals are now targeting even seemingly low-risk establishments such as funeral parlours, which are not typically associated with large sums of cash.
A local resident who lives near the scene of the attack described hearing commotion and cries for help shortly after 1 a.m. “At first, I thought it was just noise from people passing by, but then I heard people shouting ‘thieves!’ That’s when I realized something serious was happening,” said the resident, who requested anonymity for safety reasons.
While the robbers managed to escape without taking any company money, police say the violent nature of the assault highlights a worrying trend in which robbers are becoming increasingly aggressive. Authorities suspect that the same gang could be behind a recent spate of similar break-ins targeting small businesses and homes around Kwekwe, Redcliff, and Gokwe.
In recent months, Midlands Province has seen a surge in armed robberies involving small gangs using crude weapons such as axes, machetes, and iron bars. Victims are often assaulted even when they have little or no valuables to surrender. Police believe that economic hardship and rising unemployment may be driving some individuals into violent crime.
Inspector Mahoko emphasized the need for business operators and residents to strengthen their security systems. “We urge companies, especially those that operate at night, to increase security measures such as installing CCTV cameras, proper lighting, and alarm systems. Communities should also work closely with neighborhood watch committees to deter such incidents,” he said.
Meanwhile, the victims of the robbery are said to be recovering from their injuries. Police have not yet made any arrests, but investigations are ongoing.
As the search for the five suspects continues, Kwekwe residents are being urged to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.
This latest attack serves as a grim reminder of the growing threat posed by violent crime in Zimbabwe’s urban and peri-urban centers, where ordinary workers and small businesses often bear the brunt of lawlessness. For now, the community in Kwekwe remains on edge, hoping for swift police action to restore a sense of safety and order.
Source- Herald
