Gunmen Hit Celebration Church, Get Away With US$620 Loot

Four armed men raided Celebration Church in Westgate, getting away with cash and electronic gadgets after overpowering security personnel on duty.

The suspects, who were reportedly carrying a pistol and a rifle, forced their way into the premises and blasted open a safe. They seized US$500 kept inside, along with two HP laptops from the church office.

According to reports, the robbers first confronted two security guards, assaulting them with a knobkerrie before tying their hands and legs with wires and electrical cables. The guards were then locked inside their room while the gang continued with the raid.

After neutralising the guards, the assailants used an unidentified object to gain entry into the church office. They broke into a steel cabinet and took a small cash safe containing the money and the laptops.

The robbers also searched the guards and stole US$30 in cash and two Itel mobile phones.

The ordeal only came to light when a Safeguard driver arrived at the premises later and freed the guards.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the incident, saying investigations are underway.

“Police are investigating an armed robbery case at church premises in Westgate. The security guards sustained minor injuries and are in stable condition,” he said.

Inspector Chakanza added that the total value of stolen property is estimated at US$620 and nothing has been recovered so far. A live round was recovered from the guard room where the security guards had been restrained.