Brainscope Staff Lose USD58,000 In Southerton Armed Robbery

Two employees from Brainscope Investments were on Tuesday ambushed and robbed of USD58,000 by gun wielding assailants in Southerton, Harare, while they were on their way to deposit company funds at the bank.

The victims, identified as Yvonne Zulu (29) and her driver Simbarashe Chiinze (24), were travelling along Plymouth Road when their vehicle was intercepted by two armed men in a silver Toyota Fortuner.

According to police, the pair was approaching the intersection of Plymouth and Melbourne Road when the robbers blocked their path and immediately disembarked, brandishing firearms. One of the attackers smashed the passenger side window before forcefully grabbing a bag containing USD56,500 in company cash.

The robbers also searched Chiinze and took his wallet, which contained personal documents and an additional USD1,500. The assailants then fled the scene at high speed in their getaway vehicle.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspects.

Confirming the incident, Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza said investigations were underway.

“We are investigating a case of armed robbery which occurred in Southerton. The total value stolen is USD58,000, and so far, nothing has been recovered,” he said.

The robbery has raised renewed concerns over the safety of business cash transfers, with authorities urging companies to use secure cash in transit services when transporting large sums of money.