Zimbabwean police have arrested Monica Muguti, the girlfriend of a suspected armed robber, Tawanda Manokore, after stolen items linked to high-profile robberies were discovered in her home in Unit M, Chitungwiza.
Muguti, accused of receiving the stolen goods as gifts from her boyfriend, is also reportedly implicated in at least two armed robberies.
Law enforcement officers, acting on a tip-off, conducted a search of Muguti’s residence. Upon arrival, she directed officers to her wardrobe, where an assortment of valuable items—including watches, jewelry, and a gold medal—was uncovered. These items have since been identified as stolen property, allegedly tied to robberies that occurred in Christon Bank and Goromonzi.
The first robbery, which took place on October 26 in Christon Bank, involved a gang of armed men disguising themselves as police officers. They targeted a residence on Christon Road, where they subdued the gardener using machetes and knives before handcuffing him.
The gang then forced their way into the main house, restraining the occupants and stealing a range of valuables, including $760 in cash, cell phones, jewelry, groceries, a gas tank, and a Walther pistol. They also fled the scene in the homeowners’ Toyota Rav 4, later abandoning the vehicle in Mazowe alongside some of the stolen goods.
The second robbery occurred on November 3 at a farm in Goromonzi. The robbers gained entry through an open kitchen door and were armed with pistols and machetes. Once inside, they tied up the residents using laptop cables and demanded cash and valuables. The stolen items included iPhones, $3,000 in cash, clothing, groceries, and firearms. While some firearms were left behind as the robbers fled, CCTV footage of the incident captured the suspects in action. The footage quickly went viral on social media, aiding the investigation.
Other suspects involved in the robberies were apprehended.
Earlier, Tafadzwa Chakuteka was arrested after being implicated by another suspect, Sarezi Shonhiwa. A search of Chakuteka’s residence at Inkomo Barracks led to the recovery of the Walther pistol and ammunition reported stolen during the Christon Bank robbery.
Police believe Muguti played a crucial role in the operation by harboring stolen items.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend other suspects still at large.
