‘Trusted’ Gardener Flees Country With US$20 000 After Faking Armed Robbery And Escaping Police

Family Betrayed: Gardener Flees Country With Cash After Staged Armed Robbery

A Bulawayo family is counting its losses after their gardener of several years allegedly staged an elaborate fake armed robbery, making off with US$20 000 (approximately R370 000) from a property sale before fleeing the country.

The suspect, Tinashe Muzarawetu, reportedly collected the cash in Rusape, filed a false police report, and then escaped from the police station—crossing into South Africa while his employers were left scrambling for answers.

The betrayal has left the family, who considered Muzarawetu a trusted employee, searching for any information that might lead to his arrest. The details of the incident were first shared by journalist Ezra Tshisa Sibanda.

A Journey Built On Trust And A Suspicious Hire

According to Sibanda, the gardener had been in the family’s employ for several years and was considered a reliable member of the household. The trouble began when he was dispatched to Rusape to collect a substantial sum of US$20 000 (R370 000) from a recent property transaction.

In a move that should have raised eyebrows, the gardener reportedly hired a vehicle from a car rental company in Harare for the trip, citing safety concerns for the long journey. After successfully collecting the money, he did not return home.

Instead, he allegedly concocted a story of an armed robbery, walking into the Rusape Police Station to report that he had been robbed of the cash.

Police officers grew suspicious of his account and confiscated both his phone and the car keys for further investigation, though he was not detained at the time.

Dramatic Escape And A Recorded Confession

The family’s shock deepened the following day when they attempted to contact him. His phone was answered by a police officer, who informed them of the alleged robbery report.

“We were unable to speak to him directly,” a family representative explained. “The situation took a dramatic turn shortly after when he reportedly fled from the police station, leaving behind his phone and the hired vehicle.”

The drama did not end there. In a twist that confirmed their worst fears, the suspect later contacted the car rental company.

During the call, which was recorded, he allegedly confessed that the robbery had been staged and indicated that he had crossed into South Africa.

The matter has since been reported to Bulawayo Central Police Station, where it is recorded under case number IR2135/26.

Public Appeal For Assistance

With the suspect believed to be outside the country’s borders, the family is now appealing to the public for any information that may help track him down.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Bulawayo Central Police on +263 29 2274646 or the family representative on +263 71 232 6659.