Armed Robbers Break Into House, Steal US$12k & Cellphones

A Harare family is in distress after allegedly losing over USS$12 000 to armed robbers who broke into their house last week.

According to a report made to the police, the victim, Katsenga Artwell was asleep in his bedroom with his wife Hlonipa Katsenga when they were woken up by sounds in the house, only to have the shock of their lives when they saw 2 unknown assailants standing in there, armed with an AK 47 Rifle and a small pistol.

One of the assailants allegedly pointed a pistol at Katsenga whilst his accomplice tied his hands together with a phone charger cable and a cloth, after which they ordered him lie down on his bed, face down, and cover himself with blankets.

The assailants allegedly demanded that Katsenga surrender all cash in his possession, which he did, totaling US$12 100-00. Before fleeing, the assailants took an iPhone XR, a Samsung A10s, and a G-tel cell phone.

Zimbabwe Republic Police Provincial (ZRP) spokesperson for Harare, Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the incident and said investigations are in progress.

“On 6 November 2023 around 0400 hours complainant was asleep in his bedroom at house in New Ceney Park Ushewekunze with his wife Hlonipa Katsenga aged 50years, Harare when he woke up and saw 2 unknown accused persons standing in his bedroom armed with an AK 47 Rifle and a small pistol.

“One of the accused persons pointed an unknown small pistol to complainant and at the same time the other unknown accused person tying his hands with a white charger cable and a cloth. Complainant was ordered to lie down facing downwards on his bed whilst covered with blankets .

“The other 4 accused persons had entered the spare bedroom where complainant’s mother in law and 2(two) daughters were asleep, by forcing open the eastern side door. They were armed with 3 small pistols, a big unknown gun and a hammer. They forced them to move to complainant’s bedroom and were ordered to lie down.

“The accused persons ordered the complainant to surrender all the cash which he had in the house. Complainant surrendered cash amounting to US$12 100-00. Accused persons went on to take an Iphone XR cell phone, Samsung A10s and G-tel cell phone.

“They ransacked the house and took car keys of complainant’s Toyota Quantum AFG 4621 white in colour and tried to drive the vehicle but they were disturbed by car alarm and ran away leaving the car. Total estimate value stolen is US$12 660-00. Complainant was untied by his wife soon after the accused persons ran away from the scene.

“A report was made at ZRP Southlea Park. Scene was attended. Complainant was referred to Sally Mugabe Hospital and is in a stable condition. CID Homicide was advised and docket shall be referred to CID Homicide for further management. Investigations are underway on ZRP Southlea Park,” reads the docket.