Shamva, Zimbabwe — In the early hours of September 24, 2025, a daring armed robbery unfolded at the Shamva 340 Mill, leaving employees shaken and police scrambling for answers. Around 2 a.m., five unidentified individuals armed with a pistol breached the premises, making off with cash, cellphones, and other valuables in a meticulously executed attack.
According to Assistant Inspector Lucy Chigwenhese, the Mashonaland Central provincial deputy spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the suspects gained access to the facility by exploiting a weak point in the mill’s perimeter fence. Once inside, they moved with purpose, targeting several employees and demanding cash and mobile phones at gunpoint.
“The accused persons threatened employees with a firearm and forced them to collect valuables from various locations within the premises,” Assistant Inspector Chigwenhese said. “They specifically targeted cellphones and cash, breaking open doors to gain access to secured areas.”
The assailants reportedly operated with alarming confidence, moving systematically through the mill compound. Employees were compelled to comply under threat of violence. Reports indicate that the robbers collected not only cash and cellphones but also took two small silver dishes before making their escape.
Chigwenhese explained that after seizing the items, the suspects dumped some of the stolen property — including cellphones and a black toy gun — at the mill’s guardroom before fleeing. “This suggests a degree of planning and familiarity with the premises,” she noted.
The incident sent shockwaves through Shamva, a mining town in Mashonaland Central, and sparked heightened concern over security at industrial facilities. Local residents expressed shock at the audacity of the robbery and the speed with which it was carried out.
Brazen Armed Robbery Rocks Shamva 340 Mill in Early Morning Heist
A formal report of the robbery was promptly lodged at the Shamva Police Station. Investigations are now underway, with the ZRP deploying resources to establish the full extent of the losses and identify the suspects.
Assistant Inspector Chigwenhese confirmed that some of the stolen items have been recovered. “We have recovered several cellphones valued at about US$900,” she said. “Our investigations are ongoing, and we are working tirelessly to apprehend the accused persons and bring them to justice.”
The robbery has left workers at Shamva 340 Mill shaken and concerned for their safety. Several employees expressed fear about returning to work in an environment where security breaches of this magnitude could occur. Some have called for enhanced surveillance, better fencing, and stricter access control to prevent future incidents.
“This was a very bold act. It happened in the middle of the night, and the suspects knew exactly where to go. That’s worrying for everyone who works here,” one employee, who requested anonymity, said.
The incident has also prompted broader discussion about crime prevention in mining towns, which have seen a rise in armed robberies targeting both industrial sites and transport convoys. Residents are urging law enforcement agencies to step up patrols and intelligence gathering in areas vulnerable to such attacks.
The ZRP has reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring justice in the Shamva robbery case. “We have intensified patrols in the area and are reviewing security arrangements at industrial facilities,” said Chigwenhese. “We call upon members of the public to assist by reporting any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.”
Police are following several leads, including CCTV footage from nearby locations, forensic evidence collected from the scene, and witness testimonies. Investigators are also looking into whether the robbery was an opportunistic act or part of a larger, organised crime operation.
The Shamva 340 Mill incident comes amid rising concerns about crime in rural and mining areas of Zimbabwe. Analysts say such brazen attacks highlight systemic challenges, including insufficient security infrastructure, under-resourced police units, and gaps in industrial safety protocols.
“The targeting of industrial facilities at night shows a clear pattern. Criminals are exploiting weak security and limited police presence,” said a security analyst. “There is a need for a coordinated approach involving the private sector, police, and local communities to address these threats.”
As police investigations continue, the Shamva community awaits answers and action. For the victims, the incident is a reminder of the risks faced in their workplaces, while for authorities, it is a call to tighten security and tackle organised crime.
Assistant Inspector Chigwenhese reaffirmed the police’s determination to resolve the case. “We are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this robbery face the full force of the law,” she said. “Our priority is to protect citizens and restore a sense of safety in the community.”
For now, Shamva 340 Mill remains on high alert, with employees and residents hoping swift police action will prevent such audacious crimes in the future.
Source- Bulawayo24
