Heartless Armed Robbers Using Stolen ZRP Rifle Raid Orphanage, Steal US$30,000

Heartless Armed Robbers Strike Orphanage Using ZRP-Issued Firearm, Make Off With US$30,000

Heartless armed robbers using Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) issued firearms struck an orphanage and church in Westgate, Harare, and made off with more than US$30,000 (approximately R555,000) after overpowering security guards and ransacking offices during a brazen Sunday raid.

The robbery targeted Village of Hope Institution, which runs a school, an orphanage and a church. The attackers reportedly spent nearly an hour searching offices before fleeing with cash from safes and cash boxes.

According to H-Metro, the incident occurred on Sunday, April 13, 2026, just days after armed robbers disarmed police officers and stole a G3 rifle in Mabelreign on April 10, 2026, raising fears of a coordinated crime wave in the western suburbs of Harare.

Guards Overpowered As Robbers Ransack Offices

Village of Hope Institution director Richard Chimbetete (50) said three armed men stormed the premises and attacked security guards before targeting administration offices.

“Three armed men ransacked offices belonging to the institution, including those of the bishop, social workers, the director and finance, for nearly an hour before fleeing with cash,” he said.

One security guard reportedly fought back but was overpowered.

“The robbers disarmed one guard, struck him several times on the head using the butt of the rifle, handcuffed him and took him to a borehole pump room where he was tied using electric cables,” the report stated.

A second guard conducting perimeter checks was also attacked.

“The robbers later attacked a second guard who was conducting perimeter checks, hitting him with an unknown object before moving to the administration offices.”

Investigators said the robbers forced entry into offices and stole:

US$25,000 (approximately R462,500) from the director’s office
US$2,500 (approximately R46,250) from the Human Resources office
US$1,200 (approximately R22,200) from the bishop’s office
US$250 (approximately R4,625) from the finance office
US$200 (approximately R3,700) from the social worker’s office

The total stolen exceeded US$30,000 (approximately R555,000).

One church member who was praying reportedly encountered the robbers.

“She went to check through the gate but heard the guard calling for help. One robber intercepted her and ordered her to lie on the ground until they finished,” sources said.

ZRP Rifle Dropped During Struggle

During the confrontation, one of the suspects allegedly dropped a Zimbabwe Republic Police G3 rifle and two rounds of ammunition.

The firearm was reportedly stolen during an earlier attack on police officers along Northolt Road near Divaris Makaharis School in Mabelreign on April 10, 2026.

Three officers — Inspector Magidi, Constable Chihanga and Constable Nyamushamba — were ambushed around 12.20AM.

“Three male adults wearing black balaclavas appeared in front of the car armed with a claw bar and a high-powered torch,” the internal memo stated.

Inspector Magidi reportedly ordered Constable Chihanga to fire, but the rifle jammed.

“The attackers smashed the windscreen, assaulted the officers and grabbed the G3 rifle before driving away in a white Nissan Tiida,” the memo added.

All three officers were later hospitalised at Parirenyatwa Hospital.

The same rifle was later reportedly recovered at the orphanage premises.

Residents Warned As Robbery Gang Terrorises Area

The robbery comes amid rising armed robberies in Westgate, Marlborough and Mabelreign.

Ward 41 councillor Kudzai Kadzombe recently warned residents about a suspected gang using aliases “Satan” and “Captain”.

“Please help us in identifying this man, who is part of a four-man gang terrorising our Marlborough community using the aliases ‘Satan’ and ‘Captain’,” read the statement circulated on WhatsApp groups.

The statement added:

“They have been responsible for a string of robberies at construction sites and churches, including Celebration, Roman Catholic and AFM, as well as the death of a Zaoga Church security guard.”

Residents were urged not to confront suspects.