Armed Robbery at Wicknell Chivayo’s In-laws’ Farm: $75,000 Stolen

A crime involving 20 armed men resulted in the theft of $75,000 and items from Wicknell Chivayo’s in-laws’ farm. The raid was linked to bride price payments made by Chivayo for his wife. Despite calls for help, local farmers could not intervene due to the armed group’s overwhelming presence. Police are investigating the incident while Chivayo claims he is unaware of the robbery.

On Tuesday, a robbery incident involving up to 20 armed men occurred at Alpha Omega Farm, owned by the in-laws of businessman Wicknell Chivayo, in Marondera. During the raid, the assailants made off with $75,000 in cash and other personal items, believed to be part of the bride price Chivayo had paid for his marriage to Lulu Muteke earlier this year. While Chivayo had cited the lobola at around $20,000, there were claims he paid as much as $300,000, including further payments to his in-laws for the ceremony preparation.

In the early hours of Tuesday, police responded to an alert from Christopher Mudzingwa Muteke, Chivayo’s father-in-law, after gunfire erupted. Local farmers arrived to assist but retreated upon realizing the scale and organization of the armed group. Reports indicate that the property is typically secured by three guards from a private security firm and an additional guard employed directly by the Mutekes.

The incident began shortly after 1 AM when one guard was overpowered by a member of the gang. The group, armed with rifles and other implements, proceeded to dominate the premises. They disarmed another guard and assaulted a third before breaking into the residential area, utilizing bolt cutters to gain entry.

Inside the residence, Gerald Muteke surrendered $18,000 in cash, his firearms, and personal electronics to the robbers. Vimbai Muteke, another occupant, provided $1,100 and keys to a safe, from which the robbers took an additional $55,000. A neighbor, alerted to the robbery, fired shots from a distance, which caused the robbers to flee while retaliating with gunfire.

The investigation has led police to recover an iron bar left at the scene, which will be examined for fingerprints. Chivayo responded to inquiries about the robbery stating, “I’m not aware (of the robbery). No-one has told me.”

The robbery at Alpha Omega Farm underscores serious security concerns, particularly in rural areas. The incident revolves around significant sums of money associated with Chivayo’s bride price, highlighting the risks associated with conspicuous wealth. The organized nature of the raid indicates a planned attack, raising questions about the effectiveness of security measures at such properties. Law enforcement continues to investigate the scene to gather evidence and identify the perpetrators.

Original Source: www.zimlive.com