The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reported a theft of US$13,500 that occurred when local residents, acting on false social media claims, broke into a businessman’s house in Chitungwiza as fueled by misinformation.
The incident took place after rumors circulated that part of the US$4.4 million stolen during an armed robbery at an Ecobank branch on October 3, 2024, had been recovered and was located in the house.
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Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the ZRP spokesperson, emphasized the baselessness of these social media claims in a statement released on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
He firmly stated that the allegations of a recovery of funds were false, specifically addressing the community that forced their way into the house owned by a businessman who was not home during the incident.
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“The public did not find part of the USD 4 million heist as alleged on the social media platforms,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
He urged the community to be vigilant and avoid reacting impulsively to unverified information online.
The ZRP is currently investigating the forced entry and theft, pledging to provide more details as they become available. Nyathi reiterated the need for caution regarding the misuse of social media for criminal activities and warned against the potential consequences of engaging in such behavior.
The businessman, who operates a hardware store in Harare’s Central Business District, faced significant property damage due to the incident, with the stolen amount totaling US$13,500.
The ZRP has called upon the public to refrain from spreading falsehoods that can lead to chaos and unlawful actions.
