Armed Gang Blasts Open Vault in US$745k Quest Heist

A 25-year-old Harare man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in an armed robbery at Quest Financial Services in Belgravia, Harare, during which US$744,676, R10,500 and €120 were stolen on February 25, 2024.

Richard Tafadzwa Marondera, 25, appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court facing an armed robbery charge. He was convicted and sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment.

The State proved that Marondera acted in concert with seven accomplices, some of whom have already been convicted, while others remain at large.

The court heard that the gang cut through a security fence at Number 6 Rochester Crescent in Belgravia before attacking a security guard who was asleep on duty. They tied him up with electric cables and threatened him.

Armed with a revolver, a blank pistol, an electric drill, an iron bar and bolt cutters, the gang ransacked the offices before using detonators to blast open a vault.

They stole US$744,676, R10,500 and €120, two HP laptops, a Wi-Fi router and a 7.65mm CZ Vzor pistol.

The gang fled as a security reaction team arrived at the scene, with one of the robbers firing two shots into the air.

Investigations, supported by CCTV footage, call records, location data, ballistic examinations and indications provided by the offenders, led to the arrest of several suspects.

The investigations also resulted in the recovery of cash and property, including vehicles and household items purchased using proceeds from the robbery. The recovered assets were valued at US$206,475.

Marondera was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment.