Two teenage lovers from Mutare, aged 15 and 16, have been arrested after allegedly stealing a massive sum of US$25,000 from a relative and splurging it on luxury items, including a car, the latest iPhones, and expensive gifts.
The pair, along with the boy’s mother, are now in police custody as investigations continue.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed that the 16-year-old girl from Chikanga is accused of stealing the money from her brother-in-law, Kelvin Motsi, with the help of her 15-year-old boyfriend. The stolen cash was reportedly used to purchase a Honda Fit, three iPhones, and designer clothing.
Authorities say the teenage boy handed part of the money to his mother, Munyaradzi Madzure (39), for safekeeping.
The alleged theft came to light when the girl posted pictures of herself flaunting $100 bills on her WhatsApp status. This raised suspicions, leading Motsi to check his belongings and discover that his money was missing. He then reported the matter to the police.
According to the police, the theft was reported on March 14 at around 10 AM. Motsi told officers that an unknown person had taken US$25,000 from his suit jacket.
After checking his wife’s phone, Motsi’s suspicions turned to his teenage sister-in-law, who had been posting pictures of large amounts of cash on WhatsApp. When questioned, she admitted to stealing the money with her boyfriend over multiple occasions.
Police tracked down the boy at his home, where they found him driving a Toyota Axio without a license. He was immediately arrested. His mother was also taken into custody for allowing an unlicensed minor to drive.
During questioning, the teens revealed they had spent the stolen money on:
- A maroon Honda Fit ($5,800)
- Three iPhones ($3,000)
- Designer clothing ($2,000)
- Giving $5,000 to the boy’s mother for safekeeping, which she allegedly refused to return to the police
The stolen vehicle and iPhones have been recovered, totaling $9,000 in retrieved assets.
The case has shocked the Chikanga and Dangamvura neighborhoods, where both teens lived. Neighbors said they had noticed a sudden change in the girl’s lifestyle.
“She used to be quiet, but lately, she was posting pictures with huge stacks of cash. We assumed it was fake money, but now we realize it was stolen,” said one resident.
Meanwhile, those familiar with the boy noted that he had started driving a flashy car and showing off his wealth.
“We were surprised when he started buying drinks for people, even though he doesn’t drink. He was always posting videos of himself flaunting money and gifts from his girlfriend. Some even suspected he had turned to juju (traditional wealth charms),” said a close friend.
The three suspects remain in police custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
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