Harare – Six worshippers were left traumatised after a gang of five armed robbers stormed their midnight prayer gathering in Mabvuku, Harare, and made off with valuables in a chilling attack that has raised fresh concerns about rising violent crime in residential communities.
The incident occurred just after midnight, when the group of congregants—four men and two women—had gathered for a prayer session at a small place of worship. Their night of devotion was violently interrupted as the robbers, their faces concealed by masks, burst into the building wielding machetes.
According to police, the gang wasted no time in establishing control. They issued chilling threats and demanded that the worshippers surrender their possessions. Terrified and outnumbered, the victims complied, handing over mobile phones, cash, and other personal items. Although no one was physically harmed, the congregants were left badly shaken, with many describing the ordeal as the most terrifying moment of their lives.
Harare Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the robbery, saying investigations were underway. “We can confirm a case of aggravated robbery involving a group of five unknown suspects who targeted a place of worship in Mabvuku. The suspects, who were armed with machetes and wearing masks, managed to get away with valuables belonging to six congregants. No injuries were reported, but the matter is being treated with the seriousness it deserves,” said Chakanza.
While police have not released an estimate of the total value of the stolen goods, residents say the incident has sent shockwaves through the community. Worshippers who regularly attend all-night prayer meetings now fear for their safety.
Worshippers Terrorised by Armed Robbers During Night Vigil in Mabvuku
The Mabvuku incident highlights a worrying trend of criminals targeting gatherings perceived to be vulnerable, such as churches and small prayer groups. In recent months, Harare has recorded a spike in armed robberies, many of which involve machete-wielding gangs.
Community leaders in Mabvuku said the attack reflects the desperation among criminals, many of whom exploit the darkness of night and the secluded nature of small gatherings. “Churches and prayer meetings should be safe havens, but this incident shows that criminals will stop at nothing. We are deeply disturbed that our people can no longer worship in peace,” said one local elder.
The incident has left residents calling for tighter security measures during night vigils. Some congregants have suggested that churches consider hiring security guards or organising community patrols. Others believe police must step up visible patrols in high-risk suburbs like Mabvuku.
“People come together to seek God’s protection, not to be attacked. This incident has left us afraid to gather at night, yet prayer is at the heart of our faith,” said a woman who attends the affected prayer group but asked not to be named.
Inspector Chakanza urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, stressing that police are committed to apprehending the gang. “We appeal to anyone with information that may assist our investigations to come forward. The suspects remain at large, but our teams are working tirelessly to track them down,” he said.Despite the trauma, members of the prayer group have vowed not to abandon their spiritual gatherings. They say their faith remains unshaken, although the experience has forced them to rethink how they conduct services at night.
“We believe God protected us from serious harm. Yes, we lost our possessions, but our lives were spared. We will not stop praying, though we will be more careful about our safety going forward,” said one of the victims.The government has in recent years come under pressure to address the rise in violent crimes committed with dangerous weapons such as machetes. Analysts say poverty, unemployment, and weak law enforcement capacity are driving the surge in criminal activity.
Security experts warn that if left unchecked, armed robbers—sometimes linked to illegal mining syndicates—could further destabilise communities. They urge authorities to combine tougher policing with long-term social and economic interventions.
For now, the Mabvuku community is left shaken, with a deep sense of vulnerability. The incident serves as a stark reminder that criminals are increasingly willing to target even sacred spaces, robbing ordinary citizens not only of their possessions but also of their sense of safety.
As police intensify their hunt for the gang, worshippers in Mabvuku say they will continue to pray—only this time, with one eye open.
Source- iHarare
