The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has drawn widespread criticism and confusion following its abrupt decision to reclassify a high-profile Mt Darwin bank robbery—initially reported to involve the theft of US$700,000 in cash and 2.4 kilograms of gold—as merely an attempted robbery.
The shift in classification, according to police, comes after all stolen assets were recovered.
In a statement posted on June 27, 2025, the ZRP said:
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s post on its official X handle, dated 26th June 2025, regarding a reported bank robbery incident in Mt Darwin, in which USD700,000 in cash and 2.4 kilogrammes of gold were allegedly stolen.
Following further investigations, the case is now being treated as an attempted robbery, as all the cash and gold have since been recovered. More details will be released in due course.”
Just a day prior, on June 26, police had provided a detailed account of a confirmed armed robbery. According to their original post, three unidentified suspects armed with pistols broke into a bank in Mt Darwin’s central business district at approximately 2:00 AM, assaulted the security guard, and blew open a safe to make off with the substantial sum in cash and gold.
The initial announcement left no ambiguity: a violent break-in had occurred, valuables were taken, and suspects were at large.
The swift reversal by police authorities left many Zimbabweans dumbfounded and incensed. Across social media platforms—particularly X (formerly Twitter)—users questioned the legal logic and transparency behind the reclassification.
Social commentator Tich Ray didn’t hold back:
“RECOVERED? So it ceases to be an actual ROBBERY & gets downgraded to a mere ATTEMPT? You are out of your f***ing minds.”
Another user, Mbishi, challenged the semantics:
“How does it become an attempted robbery when in fact you reported that the gold and cash were stolen? Do you know what ‘attempted’ implies or means?”
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Renowned broadcaster Robert Mukondiwa echoed the criticism:
“If something is stolen and RECOVERED the charge is STILL robbery! Kanti licabanga njani lina madoda?”
(Translation: What are you thinking, gentlemen?)
A user posting as BaMuku WekwaBushu questioned the broader legal implications:
“Saka imi muri kuti mbavha ikandibira, ikabatwa, ndikawana zvaanga aba pekutanga, moti hatichamusungira mhosva yekuba nekuti abatwa?”
(So you’re saying if someone robs me, gets caught, and I get my things back, they shouldn’t be charged with theft?)
Another user asked sarcastically, “Recovered from who?”—highlighting public skepticism about how the assets were reclaimed.
From Robbery to Attempt? ZRP’s Sudden U-Turn Sparks Public Outrage
Legal professionals are also raising concerns. One lawyer, speaking anonymously, emphasized that in Zimbabwean law, the act of theft—particularly when carried out with violence or threats—is what defines robbery. The fact that property was recovered afterward does not nullify the crime.
“Whether or not stolen goods are recovered has never been a determining factor in whether robbery occurred,” the lawyer said. “Recovery is a secondary issue.”
To date, the ZRP has not provided details about arrests, how the recovery was made, or whether suspects remain at large. The lack of clarity has reignited debates over the transparency and accountability of law enforcement.
Many are now calling for a full disclosure, including the identities of those involved, the timeline and method of asset recovery, and clarification on the exact legal charges being pursued.
As of publication, the police had issued no further updates, and the nation remains puzzled over what is shaping up to be one of the most contentious criminal investigations in recent memory.
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