THE US$1 million heist at a home in Borrowdale Brooke has shocked this secure gated luxury complex in one of Harare’s most affluent neighbourhoods.
As we reported yesterday, for the Borrowdale Brooke community, this was the sum of all their fears.
After all, this is supposed to be one of the safest neighbourhoods, not only in Harare but throughout the country.
For years, this has been the case with virtually no such incidents being reported in Borrowdale Brooke.
Now, and again, the neighbourhood found itself in the headlines and this was largely to the disputes between the residents related to issues like the noise levels being raised by some motorists and such related petty cases.
What Borrowdale Brooke has always prided itself in is its ability to offer its residents the comfort, and more importantly, the security that they need.
That is why visitors are not allowed into the complex unless they have been cleared by their hosts.
However, all this changed recently when a Chinese businesswoman, who is a resident at the plush complex, lost more than US$1 million during a raid at her house, while she was away in Zvishavane.
Reports say the cash was loaded into a suitcase.
The daring thief also stole an extra US$950, which was in a satchel, and despite hitting a US$1 million jackpot, also stole three US$10 Buddie recharge cards.
But, how did this happen?
The thief is believed to have gained unlawful entry by forcing open the businesswoman’s bedroom window.
The Chinese businesswoman shares the house with her friends who told her they also lost their airtime and cash, apparently to the same thief.
The businesswoman was reported to have locked her room before leaving for Zvishavane.
“ZRP is investigating a case of unlawful entry into premises and theft which occurred at a house in Borrowdale Brooke, Harare on November 11, 2023, where the suspect forced open the victim’s bedroom window and gained entry before stealing US$1 million cash, which was in a suitcase, US$950 cash which was in a satchel and three US$10 Buddie vouchers,” said national police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
He said investigations were underway.
A number of questions, though, remain:
· How did the thief or thieves make their way into Borrowdale Brooke given that this is a very secure neighbourhood?
· How did they know that there was a lot of money at this house and that the owner of the money was not at the house?
· How did they know that this was the right time to strike?
It’s clear that the thief or thieves appeared to have been fully briefed of how this mission could be executed without any resistance.
That should give police the lead in their investigations and we believe they should start with those who knew the Chinese businesswoman well, her inner circle of friends and those who knew about her movements.
If they are properly grilled, these people can help the police with their investigations.