Armed robbers stormed a church and orphanage in Harare, Zimbabwe, making away with more than $30,000 after overpowering security guards and ransacking offices during a prolonged raid.
The attack targeted the Village of Hope Institution in the Westgate suburb, where three gunmen reportedly spent nearly an hour searching through administrative offices before fleeing with cash taken from safes and cash boxes.
Director Richard Chimbetete said the attackers struck multiple offices across the facility. “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.
Security guards on duty were overpowered during the incident. One guard who attempted to resist was disarmed and assaulted. “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,” a 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 suspects forced entry into several offices and stole large sums of money, including $25,000 from the director’s office, $2,500 from human resources, and smaller amounts from finance and social services offices, bringing the total haul to over $30,000.
A church member who was praying at the time also encountered the attackers. “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.
Authorities believe the suspects were armed with a weapon linked to an earlier attack on police officers. A Zimbabwe Republic Police G3 rifle allegedly used in the robbery was reportedly stolen days earlier during an ambush involving three officers in Mabelreign. During that incident, officers were attacked by masked men, their vehicle damaged, and the firearm taken.
The rifle was later recovered at the orphanage scene after one of the suspects reportedly dropped it during the raid. The incident has heightened concerns over a growing wave of armed robberies in western Harare suburbs, including Westgate, Marlborough and Mabelreign.
Ward councillor Kudzai Kadzombe warned residents about a suspected gang believed to be behind multiple attacks. “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’,” a statement read.
Residents have been urged not to confront the suspects directly. “Do not approach. If you recognise this man or have information, report directly to the police. He is considered armed and dangerous.”