Five Arrested Over US$3.8K Nightclub Theft Linked to Insider

By Staff Reporter
A Harare Member of Parliament has suffered a financial blow after thieves allegedly orchestrated an inside job at her nightclub and butchery, making off with nearly US$3,900 in cash.

Five suspects have since been arrested and brought before the courts following the incident, which police believe may have involved employees with access to sensitive areas of the business.

Also Read: Repeat Attack: Dzivarasekwa Man Arrested After Robbing Same Victim Twice

Five Appear in Court Over Theft Charges
According to H-Metro, the accused — Kelvin Zulu (20), Tinotenda V. Marecha (26), Portia Ngorima (34), Pretty Ngorima (21), and Mike Vheremu (21) — appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo facing theft charges.

Prosecutors identified the complainant as Patricia Kundhlande (54), a legislator and businesswoman who owns Mother Sharks Butchery and Night Club located in Manresa Park.

Keys to the Safe at Centre of Alleged Plot
According to the State, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday around 12:30am at the nightclub premises in New Mabvuku.


Zulu, who allegedly had access to the keys to the safe, is accused of working with an accomplice still on the run, Washington Sithole. The pair reportedly accessed the safe and stole a substantial amount of cash.

Getaway Plan Involved Multiple Players
Court proceedings revealed that Marecha, a taxi driver, was allegedly waiting nearby in a Toyota Aqua to transport the suspects from the scene.

Portia and Pretty Ngorima are said to have assisted by carrying a bag believed to contain the stolen money into the getaway vehicle. After the heist, Marecha allegedly drove off with Sithole and the two women, leaving Zulu behind.


The two women were reportedly dropped off at their homes and allegedly received US$20 each for their role.

Escape Route Extends Beyond Harare
The court heard that Marecha later transported Sithole to a service station in Mabvuku, where he was handed over to Vheremu. Vheremu allegedly drove the fugitive out of Harare to Chivhu.

Authorities say the total amount stolen was US$3,874, and none of the money has been recovered.


Police Investigations Continue
The case came to light after Kundhlande filed a police report, triggering investigations that led to the arrest of the five suspects.

Police are still searching for Sithole, who remains at large, as investigations into the suspected inside job continue.