Avondale – In a shocking case of daylight robbery, a Greendale man has been left counting losses after thieves smashed their way into his vehicle outside a popular Avondale restaurant and made off with US$20 000 (approximately R380 000) in cash. The audacity of the crime has sparked concern over rising thefts in Harare and renewed calls for improved security in public spaces.
The victim, Herbert Ngwenduna, 65, parked his Toyota GD6 along Suffolk Road on Wednesday afternoon before heading into a meeting. Believing his belongings to be safe, he left his vehicle unattended. Two hours later, his peace was shattered when his car alarm sounded. Rushing outside, Ngwenduna was confronted with the aftermath of a brazen theft: the quarter glass of his car had been smashed, and a bag containing a large sum of cash was gone.
“I came out and saw the glass broken. My bag with the money was gone. I couldn’t believe it,” Ngwenduna told journalists, still visibly shaken by the incident.
Police were quick to respond, cordoning off the area and launching investigations. Investigators soon turned to CCTV footage from nearby businesses, which offered chilling clarity on the methodical nature of the crime.According to a police report obtained by H-Metro:
“It was established, through CCTV footage, that two people driving a black Nissan X-Trail, registration number not captured, parked behind the complainant’s vehicle. They disembarked, proceeded to the complainant’s car, broke the quarter glass, stole the bag and left the scene.”
The footage revealed that the suspects worked with precision and speed, appearing confident in their actions as they executed the robbery in broad daylight without attracting immediate attention from passersby.Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the scale of the theft and reassured the public that investigations were ongoing.
“Police are investigating a theft from car case in Avondale. The total value stolen is US$20 000 and nothing has been recovered,” Inspector Chakanza said.
He emphasised that while the suspects remain at large, police are actively following leads and examining CCTV footage to track the perpetrators. However, the lack of a recorded vehicle registration number has slowed progress in identifying the suspects.
Brazen Daylight Heist in Avondale Sees Greendale Man Lose US$20 000 in Vehicle Theft
The theft has left Ngwenduna devastated, not only because of the significant loss of money but also because of the emotional toll of such an invasion of privacy and security.
“It’s unsettling. You park your car thinking it is safe, and yet people can just smash in and take whatever they want. It shakes your trust,” Ngwenduna said.
The incident has also sent ripples through the Avondale community, with residents expressing concern over the growing boldness of criminals. Social media users in Harare reacted with outrage, some warning others to be vigilant and avoid leaving valuables in vehicles.
Security analysts note that such thefts are increasingly common in urban centres, driven by opportunistic crime and perceived weaknesses in law enforcement presence. Vehicles parked in commercial areas or outside popular establishments often become targets for thieves who rely on speed and stealth to escape.
Crime prevention experts stress the importance of personal vigilance and community action. “People should avoid leaving valuables in cars, even if they are locked. Use secure parking spaces where possible, and report suspicious behaviour immediately,” said a local security consultant.
In response to the incident, police in Harare’s Avondale precinct have increased patrols, especially in busy commercial areas, and urged the public to assist with information. Inspector Chakanza reiterated:
“We call on anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about the suspects or the black Nissan X-Trail to come forward. Every detail is important in tracking these criminals.”
Police are also urging restaurants, shopping complexes, and public spaces to improve surveillance measures, including CCTV coverage and security personnel, to deter similar crimes in the future.
The theft has reignited calls for more robust security measures in Harare. Residents and business owners in Avondale have urged municipal authorities to improve lighting, install more CCTV cameras, and increase police visibility in high‑risk areas.
For Ngwenduna, the loss is both financial and deeply personal. “It is not just the money, it is the fact that your space, your safety, has been violated,” he said.
The Avondale daylight robbery stands as a stark reminder of the rising threat of vehicle-targeted crime in Harare. It underscores the urgent need for stronger community vigilance, better security infrastructure, and more proactive policing to safeguard residents and deter criminals who now operate with growing audacity.
Source- iHarare
