By Delicious Mathuthu
Harare, Zimbabwe – Police have launched a manhunt for a gang of eight suspected robbers who stormed a church in Belvedere, Harare, early Saturday and escaped with cash and a stolen vehicle.
The incident occurred at around 12:30am, approximately midnight, along Hudson Avenue.
Zimbabwe Republic Police say the suspects overpowered a security guard and a congregant who was praying inside the church before proceeding to ransack the church offices.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a robbery case which occurred at a church in Belvedere where eight unknown suspects attacked a security guard and a congregant before stealing USD 8,000 cash from the church offices,” said national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
He added that the gang later commandeered the congregant’s vehicle, a Toyota IST registration number ACT 8786, which they used as their getaway car.
“This was a violent and calculated attack. The suspects used the victim’s own vehicle to flee the scene, which shows their level of planning and disregard for the law,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
He warned criminals that police were intensifying investigations and would ensure that those behind the attack are brought to justice.
“We are appealing to the public for any information that may assist our investigations. Anyone with information should report at the nearest police station or contact any police officer.
“We assure the public that all information will be treated in strict confidence,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi also urged churches and other institutions to review their security measures, particularly during overnight services.
“Places of worship should not be soft targets for criminals. We encourage them to tighten security arrangements to ensure the safety of congregants and property,” he added.
