Zimbabwe Police have arrested Monica Muguti, the girlfriend of a suspected armed robber, after stolen items were discovered at her home in Unit M, Chitungwiza.
Muguti is accused of receiving the items as gifts from her boyfriend, Tawanda Manokore, who was captured on CCTV during the Pircy Farm robbery. She has also been implicated in two armed robberies.
Acting on a tip-off, police searched Muguti’s residence, where she directed them to her wardrobe. Items recovered included watches, jewelry, and a gold medal, all believed to be stolen property. Authorities are linking the stolen items to robberies that took place in Christon Bank and Goromonzi.
In the first robbery, on October 26, a gang disguised as police officers attacked a residence on Christon Road, Christon Bank. Armed with machetes and knives, they overpowered the gardener, handcuffed him, and proceeded to the main house, where they tied up the occupants. The robbers stole US$760, cell phones, jewelry, a gas tank, groceries, and a Walther pistol, among other items. They fled in the victim’s Toyota Rav 4, which was later found abandoned in Mazowe along with some stolen goods.
The second robbery occurred on November 3 at a Goromonzi farm. The suspects entered through an open kitchen door, armed with pistols and machetes. After restraining and tying up the occupants with laptop cables, they demanded cash and valuables. Stolen items included iPhones, US$3,000, clothing, groceries, and firearms. Although the suspects fled the scene, some firearms were left behind. CCTV footage of the incident went viral on social media.
Police have made progress in apprehending the suspects. Tafadzwa Chakuteka was arrested after being implicated by an accomplice, Sarezi Shonhiwa. A search of Chakuteka’s residence at Inkomo Barracks led to the recovery of a Walther pistol and ammunition stolen in the Christon Bank robbery. Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue their pursuit of the remaining suspects.