HARARE – A Harare businessman was robbed of US$184,900 in cash and a firearm while asleep at his girlfriend’s house in Springvale, Ruwa, police confirmed.
The victim, Joseph Maruta (40), had reportedly collected US$181,000 on Saturday from a farm in Kwekwe. The amount was payment for potato seed supplies. He returned to his Kambuzuma home where he picked up his licensed pistol, loaded with two magazines, before heading to visit his girlfriend, Leoba Hunda, in Ruwa.
According to local reports, the couple secured the house for the night. Maruta placed his bag containing the money and firearm inside the house. Around 2 a.m., an alarm was triggered. Hunda stepped outside to investigate and returned shortly, telling Maruta the alarm had gone off at a neighbor’s house.
However, the next morning, Maruta discovered the bag was missing. Further inspection revealed that the rear windscreen of his vehicle had been smashed, suggesting a possible break-in during the night.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the incident. “Police are investigating an unlawful entry and theft case in Ruwa. They noticed that the complainant’s rear windscreen was damaged. The complainant lost his firearm and a total of US$184,900,” he said.
Social media users reacted strongly to the story, with many speculating about the circumstances surrounding the theft. One user, @Clever Mukwenya, commented, “This is when you finally understand when your wife says ‘come home early,’ she’s not nagging, she’s saving you from financial disaster!” Others suggested that personal relationships may have played a role, with @Winnie Anesu writing, “I wouldn’t be shocked if the wife had a hand in this. Sometimes, justice comes with a price tag!”
Police investigations are ongoing. No arrests had been made at the time of publication.
