Five armed robbers targeted a church in Marlborough, Harare, on October 31, around 11 PM, and made off with over US$54,000 in cash.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the robbery, saying the suspects, who were armed with a pistol and wearing balaclavas, attacked two security guards on duty before ransacking the church complex. The ZRP said:
<blockquote>
Police in Marlborough are investigating a case of robbery which occurred at a church in Goodhope, Harare on 31/10/24 at around 2300 hours. Five male suspects, who were armed with a pistol, and wearing balaclavas, attacked two security guards who were on duty.
The suspects ransacked the church complex and stole US$54 200.00 cash which was in a safe.
</blockquote>
In a separate incident, two women robbed a homeowner in Glenwood, Epworth, Harare, stealing US$7,000 around 11 PM on November 1. Police said:
<blockquote>
Two unidentified female suspects confronted the victim under the pretence of buying water before attacking her.  The suspects ransacked the house and stole US$ 7000.00 cash and some groceries. 
</blockquote>
Police are appealing for anyone with information regarding these incidents to report to the nearest police station.
Zimbabwe has seen a significant increase in armed robbery cases involving large sums of cash in recent years.
This trend is partly due to businesses and individuals increasingly opting to keep cash on their premises and at home rather than in banks.
One contributing factor is the frequent cash shortages in the economy, making it challenging for businesses to withdraw the necessary funds from banks.
Additionally, inconsistent policies and abrupt monetary policy announcements from authorities have left millions facing financial losses, leading to a deep erosion of trust in the country’s financial system.
As a result, many are compelled to keep their cash close at hand, further exacerbating the risks of robbery.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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Description: A church in Marlborough, Harare, was robbed of over US$54,000 by five armed men. They attacked the security guards, stole money from a safe, and escaped. In another incident, two women stole US$7,000 from a homeowner in Glenwood, Epworth, under the guise of buying water. Police are asking for tips about both cases. The increase in such robberies is due to people keeping cash at home because of issues with banks. The economy's cash shortages and financial instability also contribute to this trend. People are losing trust in the financial system, leading to more robberies.

Marlborough Church Robbed Of US$54 000, Female Robbers Pounce On Epworth Resident

Three suspected armed robbers accused of robbing more than six Roman Catholic Church buildings in Bulawayo were granted $400 000 bail each by High Court judge Justice Bongani Ndlovu on Tuesday, reported the <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local-news/article/200016661/byo-church-robbers-out-on-bail">Southern Eye</a>.
The suspects, Mthulisi Ncube (32), Lucky Sibanda (26 ) and Phathisani Ncube (30 ), were ordered to reside at their given addresses and to report once a week at Bulawayo Central Police Station as part of the bail conditions.
The three will be back at the Western Commonage Court on 18 September for trial.
They are being represented by Brian Robi of Dube Legal Practice.
The State had earlier opposed bail arguing that the accused were a flight risk following their arrest in a shootout with the police.
Prosecutors said sometime between June and July this year, the accused broke into more than six Roman Catholic Church buildings using bolt cutters and other tools.
The accused allegedly stole cash, laptops, cellphone batteries, generators, amplifiers and various other goods.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Bulawayo Church Robbers Granted $400 000 Bail Each

Police in Bulawayo have arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with armed robberies that occurred at two local churches recently.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Wednesday, said police have arrested Benard Mudimba in Lobengula in connection with the cases.
He said Mudimba implicated Muthulisi Dimba and Vinicent Mpofu who are yet to be arrested. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Benard Mudimba (36) in connection with cases of robbery which occurred between 04th May 2023 and 13th July 2023 at some churches in Bulawayo.
On 13th July 2023 detectives from CID Homicide arrested the suspect at a house in Lobengula Bulawayo after receiving information that linked him to the cases.
The suspect implicated Muthulisi Dimba and Vinicent Mpofu who are still at large.
The suspect is being linked to a case of robbery which occurred on 13th July 2023 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church Bulawayo where the church’s priest was attacked before US$1 220.00 and ZAR 2 500.00 cash, a cellphone and an Isuzu single cab vehicle, registration number AFD 0457, were stolen.
He is also clearing a case of robbery which occurred on 13th July 2023 at Liberty Christian Church where the church’s caretaker was attacked before US$150.00 cash, a pair of shoes, a hair dryer, a generator and amplifier were stolen.
</blockquote>
The suspects were reportedly armed with a machete, iron bar and a kitchen knife when they pounced on House of Liberty Christian Church.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Arrest Man (36) Linked Armed Robberies At Churches

An armed gang stormed into a church in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, before making off with personal items belonging to the congregants, including tithes.
The robbery took place on Saturday afternoon at a Seventh-Day Adventist church.
Gauteng police spokesperson Col Noxolo Kweza confirmed the incident, saying a case of robbery has been opened. Said Kweza:
<blockquote>
A group of armed men walked into the church around midday and demanded personal items from the congregants while pointing firearms at them. No one was injured. No arrests have been made.
</blockquote>
Acting Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Major General Tommy Mthombeni condemned the attack on the church. He said:
<blockquote>
Police will do everything to bring the perpetrators to book. Church members should be allowed to do their business peacefully.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/armed-gang-walks-into-johannesburg-church-and-robs-congregants-20221127">News24</a>

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